Blood pump flow rate control method and apparatus utilizing multiple sensors

Abstract

A flow rate control method and apparatus for a blood pump is provided wherein multiple sensors are utilized to measure physical dimensions of a ventricle to calculate either a cross sectional area or a volume of the ventricle during distention and contraction. The multiple sensors are positioned at spaced locations around the ventricle, and may be attached to or imbedded in the ventricle. The sensors may be in the same plane for determining a cross sectional area or in different planes for determining a volume. The area or volume is generally proportional to a corresponding area or volume of the ventricle such that the calculated area or volume is indicative of distention and contraction of the volume. The area or volume is utilized to control the blood pump flow rate to avoid overly distending or contracting the ventricle and for operating the flow rate in a pulsatile manner to closely approximate the natural pumping action of the heart.

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