Thomas Finocchiaro, André Pohlmann, Elena Cuenca Navalon, Marc Leßman, Ulrich Steinseifer and Kay Hameyer
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the RWTH's total artificial heart, ReinHeart, focusing on the design of the unique drive system.
Abstract
Purpose
The 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/approach
The 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.
Findings
The presented results show a good correlation between simulation and measurement and proof the applicability of the new design drive system.
Research limitations/implications
The 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/value
The 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.
Details
Keywords
André Pohlmann, Marc Leßmann and Kay Hameyer
The purpose of this paper is to describe a design process for a drive of a ventricular assist device (VAD) under the consideration of constraints given by the application. In this…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a design process for a drive of a ventricular assist device (VAD) under the consideration of constraints given by the application. In this case, these constraints are the possibility to implant the VAD system, providing a sufficient perfusion of the human body and cutting down development costs.
Design/methodology/approach
In the described approach an optimization algorithm is integrated in the initial stage of the design process for a drive system.
Findings
During simulations the optimum drive design under the implantation constraints of the given VAD system is found. The key constraints of this design, which are torque, axial force and losses, are validated during initial test bench measurements of a drive prototype.
Practical implications
The described design process enables an optimum drive design from the beginning of a VAD development. This reduces the time to initial and chronic in vivo test, which are required to be approved for the market later. Therefore, this approach cuts development and device costs. Additionally, this design process can be transferred for the design of other drive concepts and applications.
Originality/value
The developed and proved method in this paper enables a competitive and reliable drive design.