Design and Experimental Validation of a Cardiac Simulator for Prosthetic Heart Valve Evaluation

Continuous innovation in medical technologies is important to address the complexities of cardiovascular diseases. This research aimed to design and experimentally validate an innovative cardiac valve simulator specifically designed to evaluate prosthetic heart valve (PHV) behavior. The simulator incorporates 3D-printed left ventricle and aorta real models, providing a controlled environment to assess PHV s. A hydraulic circuit, connected to a linear actuator, simulates the dynamic environment of the systemic circulation. The cardiac simulator allows personalized testing based on individual anatomical and physiological characteristics. Lab VIEW-based control systems ensure controlled replication of cardiac parameters. Experimen-tal results, conducted at a 1: 1 scale under resting conditions (70 bpm, 70 ml stroke volume), demonstrate the simulator's ability to replicate physiological conditions, as evidenced by pressure and flow signals at varying heart rates. Frequency analysis confirms the consistency of experimental data with theoretical predictions. Moreover, a unique feature of the realized simulator is its compact design, reducing footprint and components for improved accessibility.