Method for determining a fluid volume flow through an implanted vascular support system and vascular support system

A cardiac support system comprising:

• a flow machine configured to convey blood through a cannula from a distal inlet of the cannula toward the flow machine;
• a temperature sensor arranged to measure a reference temperature of blood at the distal inlet of the cannula;
• and
• a heating element located on or within an inner wall of the cannula and positioned downstream of the temperature sensor with respect to a direction of blood flow from the distal inlet toward the flow machine, the heating element being configured to change a temperature of blood flowing in the cannula.

A cardiac support system comprising:

• a flow machine configured to convey blood through a cannula from a distal inlet of the cannula toward the flow machine;
• a temperature sensor arranged to measure a reference temperature of blood at the distal inlet of the cannula;
• a heating element located on or within a wall of a cannula and positioned downstream of the temperature sensor with respect to a direction of blood flow from the distal inlet toward the flow machine, the heating element being configured to change a temperature of blood flowing in the cannula;
• and
• a processing unit configured to operate the flow machine based on the reference temperature and an operating parameter of the heating element.