Electrical Modeling and Simulation of the Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuit through Mechanically-Acquired Data
ABSTRACT
When evaluating new cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits, perfusionists are in need of a tool to assess the fluid dynamics of the circuit prior to use in the clinic. To accommodate this need, a model has been developed using electrical and mechanical analog mathematics and electrical simulation software known as PSPICE. This model illustrates flow characteristics of cardiopulmonary bypass circuits and its components prior to its use in the operating room.
To create this model, pressure differentials were measured across the oxygenator, arterial line filter, and mock patient at flow rates from 1 to 7 L/min for Terumo bypass circuits. The pressure differentials were measured across the oxygenator, arterial line filter, and patient; all measurements were converted via mechanical and electrical analog mathematics to the electrical properties of resistance and voltage. The circuit was then modeled electrically in PSPICE and simulated. Upon simulation, the flow through each of the devices was established in the form of electrical current, which was then transformed to blood flow rate. The pressure drop across the component was also determined through the exhibited voltage drop. During simulation, pump properties can also be altered electrically to analyze components at varying flow rates.
Characterization of the CPB circuit prior to the initiation of bypass provides perfusionists with the ability to analyze fluid dynamics for new circuit components and configurations before construction and deployment in the open-heart arena. In the future, this model could conceivably aid perfusionists and developers in analyzing the behavior of circuit components prior to use in a clinical or laboratory setting.
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