Mathematical Modeling of Regulation of the Bioengeneering System for the Univentricular Fontan Circulation and Ventricular Assist Device Interaction

Constant-flow pumps replacing the second heart ventricle are used to eliminate heart failure in the univentricular circulation. Such bioengineering systems (BES) allow to avoid the need for transplantation. The study presents the model of BES for the inferior vena cava (IVC) flow support by a rotary blood pump in the univentricular Fontan circulation. The simulation results confirm the positive impact of the pump: the IVC pressure decreases (9 mmHg – with using the pump, 17 mmHg – without), the pulmonary artery pressure increases (16 mmHg – with using the pump, 14 mmHg – without), the cardiac output increases (2.9 l/min – with using the pump, 2.5 l/min – without). But the IVC flow support has a disadvantage of the increased superior vena cava (SVC) pressure. The simulation provides an opportunity to assess the necessary support level and exclude critical conditions by regulating the rotor speed.