Abstract
To evaluate the automatic control algorithm of the total artificial heart (TAH) as an entity, and not just as parts, a non-linear mathematical analyzing technique including chaos theory was utilized. Chronic experiments on the biventricular bypass type artificial heart implantation were performed in healthy adult goats after the natural ventricles were removed. Hemodynamic time series data were recorded under the awake standing condition with TAH 1/R and fixed driving. Time series data were recorded on a magnetic tape and analyzed on a personal computer system with an A-D converter. Using the nonlinear mathematical technique, the time series data were embedded into the phase space and the Lyapunov numerical method was carried out for the quantitative evaluation of the sensitive dependence on the initial condition of the reconstructed attractor. Calculation of the largest Lyapunov exponents suggested that the reconstructed attractor of the left pump output during TAH 1/R control was a larger dimensional strange attractor, a characteristic pattern of deterministic chaos. A total system indicating chaotic dynamics was thought to be a flexible and intelligent control system. Thus, our results suggest that 1/R TAH control may be suitable for the biventricular assist type total artificial heart.
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