Numerical model of the circulatory system for IABP simulation: effect of the balloon volume and of its synchronisation

The study of the interaction between an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) and the cardiovascular system is the goal of this work. It is analysed in terms of pressure, flow and some energetic relationships by modular numerical models of the cardiovascular system and IABP. Data have been computed as a function of the balloon volume and time delay. The analysed variables are end diastolic pressure, cardiac output, external work, oxygen consumption and cardiac mechanical efficiency. Energetic variables have been computed from the pressure-volume plane representation of the ventricular work cycle. A starting pathological condition was used as control and compared with IABP assisted data. In this frame, the research of an optimum IABP control strategy appears to be a compromise among opposite requirements; the IABP control strategy ought anyway to be adjusted during heart recovery.