Prevention of left atrial wall suction in a continuous-flow total artificial heart by controlling right pump output

One of the problems in continuous-flow total artificial heart control is atrial wall suction. In this study we developed a control algorithm which uses the right pump to prevent left atrial wall suction from occurring. Results of in vitro and in vivo tests indicate that prevention of left atrial wall suction is possible using this method and that it can be performed simultaneously with physiological control of the artificial heart.