A Hybrid Experimental-Computational Modeling Framework for Cardiovascular Device Testing

Significant advances in biomedical science often leverage powerful computational and experimental modeling platforms. We present a framework named physiology simulation coupled experiment (“PSCOPE”) that can capitalize on the strengths of both types of platforms in a single hybrid model. PSCOPE uses an iterative method to couple an in vitro mock circuit to a lumped-parameter numerical simulation of physiology, obtaining closed-loop feedback between the two. We first compared the results of Fontan graft obstruction scenarios modeled using both PSCOPE and an established multiscale computational fluid dynamics method; the normalized root-mean-square error values of important physiologic parameters were between 0.1% and 2.1%, confirming the fidelity of the PSCOPE framework. Next, we demonstrate an example application of PSCOPE to model a scenario beyond the current capabilities of multiscale computational methods—the implantation of a Jarvik 2000 blood pump for cavopulmonary support in the single-ventricle circulation; we found that the commercial Jarvik 2000 controller can be modified to produce a suitable rotor speed for augmenting cardiac output by approximately 20% while maintaining blood pressures within safe ranges. The unified modeling framework enables a testing environment which simultaneously operates a medical device and performs computational simulations of the resulting physiology, providing a tool for physically testing medical devices with simulated physiologic feedback.