In vitro benchtop mock circulatory loop for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction emulation

Abstract

In this work, a novel mock circulatory loop (MCL) is presented that is capable of simulating both healthy cardiac function and Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). This MCL differs from others presented in the literature as it features two independently actuated heart chambers, representing the left atrium and the left ventricle. This is an important improvement over other designs as it allows for potential HFpEF treatments to be examined, not just in relation to their effect on the left ventricle but also on the left atrium. The aim of this work was to show that novel MCL designs could be developed to allow for testing of new mechanical circulatory support devices for the treatment of HFpEF. Two loop configurations are presented, one featuring hard PVC cylindrical chambers and one that features soft silicone chambers which are anatomically analogous to the native heart. We show that both MCLs are capable of simulating the onset of HFpEF with a sustained increase in diastolic pressure of 62.03% and a sustained decrease in end diastolic volume (EDV) of 14.24%.

A patient-specific echogenic soft robotic left ventricle embedded into a closed-loop cardiovascular simulator for advanced device testing

“…Unlike other models, our simulator enables an easy tunability of cardiovascular parameters toward the personalization of the system. 26,27 Indeed, most of the cardiovascular system (except the left ventricle) is simulated numerically, thereby limiting the number of physical components that would need to be modified and/or replaced for model personalization. As such, the process of personalization of the hybrid simulator is largely simplified and consists of the tuning of numerical parameters and the development of a compliant patient-specific left ventricular model through a mold-casting technique.…”

Case report: Personalized transcatheter approach to mid-aortic syndrome by in vitro simulation on a 3-dimensional printed model

“…It is worth noting that, despite the not negligible cost of 3D-printed model production through in house facility (as in our case) or by means of outsourcing, all the auxiliary material and components required to assemble the in vitro planning platform were available in the catheterization laboratory. This allowed to perform the in vitro planning analysis with no need for more expensive experimental mock loop components ( 21 ).…”

Investigating the importance of left atrial compliance on fluid dynamics in a novel mock circulatory loop

“…Some researchers have attempted to use a biological native LA in a MCL to preserve the geometry 47 , 48 , but was unable to replicate the active function of the LA. More recent MCLs have included a silicone-cast LV with dual chamber control 49 , and an anatomically-shaped LA chamber with proper active–passive function 50 , 51 , but achieving a LA with physiological compliance has proven difficult. Hence, there is still a need for a holistic model that can achieve a realistic active and passive function of the LA with a physiological compliance.…”