Methods and apparatus for controlling heart assist devices

摘要

An apparatus for a heart assist device, comprising a processing unit for computing the blood flow rate from the arterial pressure curve and for predicting at every heartbeat the closing time of the heart valve from the curve of the blood flow rate. The processing unit is adapted to deliver a signal for controlling a heart assist device at a point in time, a period ahead in time of the closing time of the heart valve, wherein the mechanical properties of the said heart assist device are taken into account in determining the period. The apparatus adapts itself to changes in a patient's heart frequency and aortic pressure.