Real-time cardiac output estimation of the circulatory system under left ventricular assistance

A new method for indirect and real-time estimation of the cardiac output of the circulatory system supported by the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) was proposed. This method has low invasiveness and is useful for clinical application of the LVAD since it needs only two measurements: the outflow rate of blood from the LVAD and the aortic pressure. The proposed method is based on a system identification technique for the time series model of the cardiovascular system and requires less computational time than other methods with similar estimation accuracy. Hence, the proposed method could be implemented in a personal computer system and realize the on-line and real-time estimation of the instantaneous outflow rate of the natural heart. The efficiency and limitation of the method were discussed on the basis of the results obtained from in vitro experiment using a mock circulatory system and in vivo experiment using an adult goat. It was revealed that the method could obtain a fairly high correlation coefficient between the true stroke volume of the natural heart and its estimate of more than 0.99 (in vivo) or 0.95 (in vivo). This means that there is a fair possibility of applying the proposed estimation system to the clinical use.

Familial genetic defect in a case of leukocyte adhesion deficiency

Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) is an inherited immunodeficiency disorder caused by CD18 subunit abnormality dependent defective expression of beta 2 integrins on the surface of leukocytes. On analysis of the CD18 molecular defect in a female Japanese patient with a severe deficiency LAD phenotype, neither CD11a nor CD18 molecules could be detected on the patient's EBV-transformed B lymphoblastoid cell line. The mRNA of the patient's B cells was normal in size, but was diminished in quantity, to approximately half normal levels. Sequencing of the CD18 cDNA of the patient revealed a C605 to T transition, resulting in a Pro178-->Leu substitution. This was heterozygous in the genomic DNA, and shown to be of maternal origin by family study. Only a few transcripts from the other allele without the Pro178-->Leu mutation were detectable. Northern blot analysis revealed reduced CD18 mRNA levels, not only in the patient, but also in the father and brother. These results indicate that our case is a compound heterozygote with two different mutant alleles: one causing a single amino acid substitution and the other causing defective expression of mRNA.

Dependence of baroreceptor-mediated sympathetic outflow on biventricular assist device driving frequency

To investigate the drive condition of the artificial heart from a neurophysiological point of view, the dynamic transduction characteristics of the baroreflex system were analyzed by means of sympathetic neurograms. Two pneumatically actuated ventricular assist devices were implanted as biventricular bypasses (BVBs) in adult mongrel dogs to compare the natural heart circulation and prosthetic circulation. After BVB pumping was initiated, the natural heart was electrically fibrillated. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded to analyze sympathetic outflow. Coherence function between the arterial pressure and RSNA was calculated to evaluate the linearity of the baroreflex system. The largest peak coherency was observed when BVB was driven at the frequency of natural heart beat prior to electrical fibrillation, which suggests that the baroreflex system shows the largest linearity at this frequency. These results suggest the possibility that the natural heart beat frequency is the setting frequency at which the baroreflex system transfers the hemodynamic rhythm to the sympathetic outflow.

Mayer waves in dogs with total artificial heart

To assess the effect of a total artificial heart (TAH) on the autonomic nervous system a power spectral analysis of the hemodynamics in a TAH animal was done by the maximum entropy method. Two pneumatically driven sac-type ventricular assist devices were implanted as total biventricular bypass (BVB) in adult mongrel dogs to compare the differences between natural heart and TAH. Once the BVB was pumping, the natural heart was electrically fibrillated to constitute the BVB-type TAH model. In the arterial pressure waveform in animals with TAH, respiratory waves were not changed (97.7 +/- 24.6%) though Mayer waves were significantly decreased (47.5 +/- 22.6%) compared with the animal with a natural heart. These results suggest that prosthetic hemodynamics in the TAH animal affect fluctuations in the cardiovascular system.

Estimation of the following cardiac output using sympathetic tone and hemodynamics for the control of a total artificial heart

A sympathetic neurogram is potentially useful for the development of a real time total artificial heart (TAH) control system. We used sympathetic tone and hemodynamic derivatives to estimate the following cardiac output in acute animal experiments using adult mongrel dogs. Moving averages of the mean left atrial pressure and mean aortic pressure were used as parameters of the preload and afterload, respectively. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was employed as a parameter of sympathetic tone. Equations for the following cardiac output were calculated using multiple linear regression analysis of the time series data. A significant correlation was observed between the estimated and following measured cardiac output. These results suggest the potential usefulness of the sympathetic neurogram for the real time TAH automatic control system.

Fundamental rhythm of sympathetic nerve discharges in animals with total artificial hearts

To evaluate the effect of total artificial heart replacement on the autonomic nervous system, sympathetic neurograms were analyzed by power spectrum and coherence function. Two pneumatically driven, sac type ventricular assist devices were implanted as biventricular bypasses (BVB) in adult, mongrel dogs. After initiation of BVB pumping, the natural heart was electrically fibrillated to form a BVB TAH model. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded using a bipolar electrode attached to the left renal sympathetic nerve. RSNA was amplified and integrated by use of an R-C integrator. Power spectra of the RSNA and values of squared coherence between the arterial pressure wave form and the RSNA were calculated by computer. In animals with total artificial hearts (TAHs), coherence at the cardiac rhythm frequency was decreased, and coherence at the TAH pumping rhythm frequency was increased. These results indicate that the arterial pulse wave observed in TAH animals contributed to the sympathetic neurogram.

An automatic control algorithm for the optimal driving of the ventricular-assist device

This paper presents a new method of keeping one of the most suitable driving conditions for regulating the outflow volume from the ventricular-assist device (VAD). The experimental results from a mock circulatory system have shown that the relationship between the stroke volume and the systolic duration of the VAD can be specified by the combination of characteristic curves of the positive and negative drive pressures. The optimal operating point on the characteristic curve have been defined as the point at which thrombosis on the blood-contacting surface and hemolysis due to mechanical damage can be avoided and at which the driving energy can be minimized. The present analysis has been revealed that the optimal operating point is the vertex of the triangular figure obtained from the characteristic curve. The algorithms for keeping the optimal operating point and for regulating the stroke volume have been also proposed.

Cardiac-related sympathetic nerve activity during circulation with only the left ventricular assist device

Circulatory maintenance with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) alone during cardiac arrest until heart transplantation has been evaluated. To assess the effect on the autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic neurogram was analyzed by power spectrum and coherence function. LVAD were inserted between the left atrium and the descending aorta in seven adult mongrel dogs and ventricular fibrillation was induced electrically. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was detected by bipolar electrodes attached to the left renal sympathetic nerve. Values of squared coherence between the arterial pulse wave and RSNA were calculated. Under the condition of circulatory maintenance with only LVAD, coherence at the cardiac rhythm frequency was decreased, and coherence at the LVAD pumping rhythm frequency was increased. These results indicate that the arterial pulse wave observed during maintenance of the circulation with only LVAD contributed to the sympathetic neurogram.

Cardiac-Related Sympathetic Nerve Activity during Circulation with Only the Left Ventricular Assist Device

Circulatory maintenance with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) alone during cardiac arrest until heart transplantation has been evaluated. To assess the effect on the autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic neurogram was analyzed by power spectrum and coherence function. LVAD were inserted between the left atrium and the descending aorta in seven adult mongrel dogs and ventricular fibrillation was induced electrically. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was detected by bipolar electrodes attached to the left renal sympathetic nerve. Values of squared coherence between the arterial pulse wave and RSNA were calculated. Under the condition of circulatory maintenance with only LVAD, coherence at the cardiac rhythm frequency was decreased, and coherence at the LVAD pumping rhythm frequency was increased. These results indicate that the arterial pulse wave observed during maintenance of the circulation with only LVAD contributed to the sympathetic neurogram.

Echo-guided transaortic left ventricular myotomy for idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis

Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) is a progressive cardiac disease known to induce sudden death occasionally. The authors tested echocardiography as a method of guiding myotomy, and observed its clinical usefulness as a safe surgical procedure for IHSS.

Systemic circulation with high frequency blood flow--analysis from neurophysiological point of view

The vibrating electromagnetically driven univalved artificial heart, which provided more than 10 1/min at 10 Hz/sec. vibration, was developed in our team. This vibrating electromagnetic pump (VEMP) produced the original flow pattern compared with the flow pattern of the natural heart, so that circulatory regulatory system during maintain the circulation with VEMP must be investigated before the clinical application. In order to assess the effect of high frequency blood flow produced by the VEMP from the neurophysiological point of view, power spectral analysis of the hemodynamics was performed. VEMP was implanted as the total left heart bypass in adult goats and right heart circulation was maintained by natural hearts. In arterial blood pressure during maintain circulation by the high frequency blood flow, Mayer waves (0.01-0.15 Hz) were significantly decreased, though respiratory waves (0.25-0.40 Hz) were not significantly changed. These results suggest that circulatory regulatory system was influenced by the high frequency blood flow produced by the VEMP.

Sympathetic nerve activity during maintaining circulation with only left ventricular assist device

Maintaining circulation with an left ventricular assist device (LVAD) alone during cardiac arrest until heart transplantation, was evaluated by the use of the sympathetic neurogram. To evaluate the influences of this method on autonomic nervous system, sympathetic neurogram was analyzed by power spectrum and coherence function. In acute animal experiments using mongrel dogs, LVAD were implanted. After the LVAD implantation, ventricular fibrillation was induced electrically. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was detected by the use of bipolar electrodes attached to the left renal sympathetic nerve. Values of squared coherence between the arterial pulse wave and RSNA were calculated. Under the condition of circulatory maintenance with LVAD, coherence at the cardiac rhythm frequency was decreased, and coherence at the LVAD pumping rhythm frequency was increased. These results suggest that the arterial pressure which was observed during maintaining the circulation with only LVAD contributed to sympathetic neurogram.

Hydrodynamic endurance test of the prosthetic valve used in the various types of the ventricular assist device

To evaluate the various basic designs of the pump chambers used in the ventricular assist devices (VADs), hydrodynamic endurance test was performed from the viewpoint of the durability of the prosthetic valves used in the VAD. For the hydrodynamic analysis, we designed three basic types of pump (sac type, diaphragm type, and pusher plate type) using the same material and having the same capacity and shape. Prosthetic valves in these VADs were tested from the standpoint of the water hammer effect, which affects the valve durability, to determine which pump design would be most durable as a prosthetic valve in the VAD. The water-hammer phenomenon was evaluated using the maximum pressure gradient (MPG) across the prosthetic valve in the moc circulatory loop. Maximum pump output was recorded when we used the diaphragm type model, and minimum MPG in the commonly used driving condition of the VAD were recorded when we used the sac type model. The results suggest that the sac type VAD model is the most durable design for the prosthetic value.

Long-time inflation of the PTCA balloon

For patients for whom the conventional percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) did not adequately improve stenosis, or sufficient angioplasty was impossible because of occurrence of dissection, we attempted using a long-time balloon inflation for more than 10 minutes. In order to allow the use of this balloon, we instituted an active rehabilitation program using a bicycle ergometer to promote the development of the collateral circulation up to the time of performing diagnostic angiography and PTCA, while attempting to use a perfusion balloon catheter for those patients not developing sufficient collateral circulation. Of the 134 patients undergoing PTCA, unsatisfactory angiographic results were obtained in 13 patients. Of these patients, long-time balloon inflation was performed in seven and primary success was achieved in six. From this study, we believe that the long-time balloon inflation in PTCA can improve the primary success rate and reduce postoperative complications.

Coherence function between sympathetic neurogram and arterial pulse wave in animal with total artificial heart

To assess the influence of the total artificial heart replacement on autonomic nervous system, sympathetic neurogram was analyzed by power spectrum and coherence function. Two pneumatically driven sac-type ventricular assist devices were implanted as biventricular bypass (BVB) in adult mongrel dogs. After the BVB pumping, natural heart was electrically fibrillated to constitute the BVB type TAH model. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded using the bipolar electrode attached to the left renal sympathetic nerve. RSNA was amplified and integrated by the use of R-C integrator. Power spectra of the RSNA and the values of squared coherence between the arterial pressure waveform and the RSNA were calculated by the computer system. In animal with TAH, coherence at the cardiac rhythm frequency was decreased, and coherence at the TAH pumping rhythm frequency was increased. These results indicate that the arterial pulse wave which was observed in TAH animal contributed to sympathetic neurogram.

Development of the total artificial heart control system

Sympathetic neurogram is potentially useful for the real time total artificial heart (TAH) control system. In this study, we used sympathetic tone and hemodynamic derivatives to prospect the following cardiac output in acute animal experiments using adult mongrel dogs. Moving averages of the mean left atrial pressure and mean aortic pressure were used as the parameters of the preload and afterload, respectively. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was also utilized as the parameter of the sympathetic tone. Equation which prospect the following cardiac output was calculated using the multiple linear regression analysis of the time series data in adult mongrel dogs. A significant correlation was observed between the prospective and following measured cardiac output. These results suggest the potential usefulness of the sympathetic neurogram for the real time TAH automatic control system.

The newly designed univalved artificial heart

A univalved artificial heart (AH) powered electromagnetically in the frequency range of 1-30 Hz was developed to obtain a totally implantable AH. This small sized AH consisted of a vibrating tube, coils, magnets, and a jellyfish valve as an outlet AH valve. The fluid mechanical, hemodynamic, and hematologic properties were evaluated in a mock circulation and 10 animal experiments using adult goats. This vibrating electromagnetic AH could generate more than 10 L/min as an output volume, with 10 Hz vibration using 20 volts supplied voltage. It could also provide two kinds of flow and pressure patterns, in constant-peak and periodic-peak patterns. The values of free hemoglobin remained within acceptable limits. The authors concluded that this new type of pump was useful as a totally implantable AH, ventricular assist, or organ assist system.

Development and evaluation of the vibrating electromagnetically-driven artificial heart

An vibrating electromagnetically driven univalved artificial heart was newly developed in our team. The fluid mechanical, hematological, and hemodynamical properties of this pump was evaluated in the moc circulation and animal experiments using adult goats. This vibrating electromagnetic (VEM) pump could generate more than 101/min with 10 Hz vibration, and could obtain the 2 kinds of flow and pressure patterns, such as constant peak and periodical peak patterns. The values of free Hb showed within acceptable values. We concluded that this pump is useful for totally implantable artificial heart.

Clinical application of the ventricular assist devices in Japan

From 1980 to March in 1989, there were 177 clinical application of ventricular assist device in Japan. Original diseases were 50% ischemic heart disease and 37% valvular disease. Duration of assistance ranged from one hour to 70 days. Thirty-one cases weaned from ventricular assistance and 11 cases became long-time survivors.

TH-7B pneumatically driven sac-type ventricular assist device and drive system

TH-7B pneumatically driven sac-type ventricular assist device and drive system including automatic control system were developed and evaluated in the chronic animal experiments. The blood-contacting surfaces of the blood pump are coated with either Cardiothane or Cardiomat. In the chronic experiments using adult goats, only one of fifteen goats showed sudden thrombus formation after 34 pumping days. No gross findings of thrombus formation were observed in any of the cases, except for a thin circular thrombus at the junction of the connectors and the sac of the blood pump. These results suggest that antithrombogenicity of this system was satisfactory for clinical use.

Postganglionic sympathetic nerve activity with correlation to heart rhythm during left ventricular assistance

In order to evaluate the effect of ventricular assist device (VAD) driving on the autonomic nervous system, sympathetic neurograms during left ventricular (LV) assistance were analyzed by power spectrum and coherence function. Our TH-7B pneumatically-driven sac-type VAD was used in seven adult mongrel dogs. VADs were inserted between the left atrium and the descending aorta. Renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was detected by use of bipolar electrodes attached to the left renal sympathetic nerve via a retroperitoneal approach. Values of squared coherence between the arterial pulse wave and RSNA were measured at the same frequency of cardiac and VAD pumping rhythms. During LV assistance, coherence at the cardiac rhythm frequency was decreased, and coherence at the VAD pumping rhythm frequency was increased. These results indicate that the arterial pulse wave, which was produced by the VAD assistance, contributed to postganglionic sympathetic nerve activity.

[A case of giant cell myocarditis associated with a progressive disturbance in the conduction system]

A 73 year old male patient with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis was admitted to our department because of dyspnea and abdominal pain. The chest X-ray film on admission showed bilateral lung congestion. The ECG showed atrial fibrillation, left axis deviation and incomplete right bundle branch block. Five days after admission, the ECG changed into sinus rhythm and complete right bundle branch block. Eight days after admission, the patient complained of chest pain and the ECG showed ST elevation in II, III, aVF, reciprocal ST depression in V, and complete A-V block with junctional rhythm. Emergency coronary angiography revealed no significant stenosis. Echocardiography showed reduced contraction of the inferior wall and diffuse granular echoes in the myocardium. Light microscopic study revealed fibrosis, infiltration of eosinophils and histiocytes, degenerated myocardium and multinucleated giant cells. Some of the giant cells were morphologically similar to myocardium, so the myocardium might be a place of immunological reaction.

Silent obstruction of the coronary stenosis between diagnostic angiography and later percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty without myocardial infarction

Among 204 patients with severe coronary artery stenosis amenable to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), 5 (2.5%) developed new silent total coronary occlusion of the vessel to be dilated without any chest symptom during the period between diagnostic coronary angiography and repeat coronary angiography at the time of the operation. We evaluated the clinical and angiographical characteristics of the patients with silent obstruction of the coronary artery in a short time, compared with the patients with unstable angina pectoris, who is considered to be suffering from acute myocardial infarction with severe chest symptom. None of the clinical variables studied showed a significant difference between the two groups. Among the angiographic variables, the degree of collateral was higher and impaired coronary perfusion distal to the lesion was more frequently found in unstable angina group. These results suggest that unstable angina is in a later stage of the ischemic heart disease compared with the time of the diagnostic angiography in patients with silent obstruction. Silent obstruction of high degree coronary stenosis is presumably due to the development of collateral circulation.

Experimental study of renal sympathetic nerve activity during left ventricular assist device pumping

To determine the effect of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) pumping on sympathetic tone, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded in acute animal experiments. Our TH-7B pneumatically driven sac type ventricular assist device (VAD) was used in 7 adult mongrel dogs. RSNA was detected by use of bipolar electrodes attached to the left renal sympathetic nerve under conditions of various LVAD pumping modes. All hemodynamic data and the RSNA were calculated with a personal computer system. In general, LVAD assistance produced increased systolic aortic pressure, increased pulmonary artery flow and decreased left atrial pressure, which caused decreased RSNA, especially in the counterpulsation mode. These results suggest that renal vascular resistance might be reduced in parallel with the decrease of RSNA. Thus, counterpulsation mode LVAD assistance has the more evident effect in preventing acute prerenal renal failure.

Micro-pressure sensor for continuous monitoring of a ventricular assist device

We have been involved in the development of a clinical ventricular assist device (VAD) system. Here, we report our investigation of in vitro and in vivo stability and sensibility of pressure microsensors. The sensors were mounted in the in-flow and out-flow cannulae wall to measure the left atrial and aortic pressures during VAD pumping. The pressure sensitive surface of the piezoresistive effect absolute pressure sensor was coated with a thrombo-resistant polymer, as was the inner surface of the cannulae of the VAD. In the in vitro and chronic animal experiments which were of more than a month duration, reliable stability and sensitivity, without any thrombus formation on the blood contacting surface of the sensors, and high sensitivity were observed. After chronic experiments, the sensitivity of sensors was reevaluated in the mock circulatory system as compared to reference values. The relationship between the output of the micro-sensors and the reference value was linear and correlated well.