Validation of the electromagnetic design of a total artificial heart under physical load conditions

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the RWTH's total artificial heart, ReinHeart, focusing on the design of the unique drive system.Design/methodology/approachThe force characteristics of the drive have been simulated in a finite element (FE) approach. Additionally the coppler losses within the motor coils have been predicted based on the FE‐simulation. Both results are compared to laboratory measurements of a prototype to validate the design.FindingsThe presented results show a good correlation between simulation and measurement and proof the applicability of the new design drive system.Research limitations/implicationsThe used hydraulic models of the cardiovasular system used as a load for the device are not fully validated with data from living organisms. Therefore, further in vivo trials are needed.Originality/valueThe high force density of the drive allows its integration into a fully implantable, total artificial heart, in order to significantly improve durability. This hopefully will extend the indication for artificial hearts as alternatives to transplantation.