The effects of cardiac assist device on cardiac function recovery during left ventricular regional ischemia

A two-compartment model of the left ventricle (LV) consists of normal myocardium and ischemic myocardium has been established and incorporated into the multi-element cardiovascular model developed based on Barnea's work (1990). In computer simulation, cardiac function (cardiac output as an indicator) recovery has been investigated under two conditions: with and without Intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP). The simulation results indicate that during serious ischemia, the normal myocardium has no ability to return the cardiac function to pre-ischemic level because of the limit of energy reserve in this region. However, when IABP is used, the energy reserve can be augmented and cardiac function can be restored.