IABP assistance: a test bench for the analysis of its effects on ventricular energetics and hemodynamics

IABP assistance is frequently used to support heart recovery, improving cor onary circulation and re-establishing the balance between oxygen availabili ty and consumption. Hemodynamic and energetic parameters (endocardial viabi lity ratio, ventricular energetics) are used to evaluate its effectiveness which depends on internal (timing, balloon volume and position) and externa l factors (circulatory conditions). Considering short, medium and long-term effects of IABP the first depends on its mechanical action, the latter on the changes induced in circulatory parameters. The analysis of the first is important because conditions for the onset of a virtuous cycle able to sup port ventricular recovery are created. Simulation systems could be helpful in this analysis for the implicit reliability and reproducibility of the ex periments, provided that they are able to reproduce both hemodynamic phenom ena and energetic relationships. The aim of this paper is to present a syst em originally developed to test mechanical heart assist devices and modifie d for IABP testing. Data reported here are obtained from in vitro experimen ts. A partial verification, obtained from the literature is presented.