Advanced Modelling Platform with Moving Ventricular Walls for Increasing Speed to Market of Heart Pumps

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Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) are vital medical devices in aiding patients with advanced Heart Failure (HF). Bringing innovative heart pumps to market is a lengthy process, typically taking \>10 years. Development times are extended due to the complexity of the real-world cardiovascular system (CS), in which the pump operates, and limitations in current analytical tools for determining pump performance prior to _in vivo_ testing. This project will remove these limitations with an innovative coupled LVAD and CS model, capturing the Moving Ventricular Wall (MVW) of the Left Ventricle (LV) and valve openings.Understanding how an LVAD works across the range of physiological pulsatile flow conditions expected for _in vivo_ animal tests and patients with Severe Heart Failure (SHF) or in recovery, is critical to the successful launch of an LVAD.Often animal models are significantly different physiologically from SHF patients and manufacturers use other techniques such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Mock Loops (MLs) to provide confidence to take a VAD to human trials. Understanding physiology allows complex algorithms to be implemented within the device controller to tailor treatments and warn clinicians of potential Adverse Events (AEs).Calon, through partnerships, has created a robust CFD modelling capability for LVADs and Calon has developed a zero-dimensional (0D) mathematical CS model, incorporating the LVAD. This allows Calon to simulate flows through the pump and analyse shear stress, residence time and blood damage in pulsatile conditions. We have shown, with simplistic models, the need to include MVWs, which perturbs the fluid as it enters the pump inlet.Calon will develop a 3D coupled CFD model of the LV with MVWs and the pump in situ. The 0D model will define the flow in and out of the valves, which will form the boundary conditions for the CFD model. The movement of the heart will be derived from cardiac imaging. The 0D model will befurther developed with data from patient populations, allowing Calon to better understand the performance of the pump in realistic rheology and physiology, which will ultimately improve the safety of the LVAD. Furthermore, Calon will conduct a review of the data generated and the available literature to explore algorithms used to improve patient outcomes and aid clinicians.