ABSTRACT
Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are used in the mechanical circulatory assistance of patients with congestive heart failure. VAD control system is the equipment where pump motor drive techniques are implemented, as well as the management and safety protocols of the components. The VAD control system is based on the constant speed of blood pumping, and the clinician is fully responsible (in periodic consultations) to adjust for a possible new need for assistance. To improve the flow optimization capacity of VADs, it is required to implement an active flow adjustment scheme that can automatically adapt and adjust the pump speed based on demand, without requiring manual inputs. Despite the promising results found in the physiological control of VADs, one of the limitations is the dependence on pressure and flow sensors since estimators based on VAD parameters are hard to calibrate and have deviations that leave them inaccurate in clinical monitoring. This chapter covers the main aspects of noninvasive monitoring of patients implanted by VADs and performance of implantable monitoring of patient parameters to provide physiological control of VAD in vitro tests, in vivo tests, and clinical application.
