Sensor-Free Biosensing of Mitral and Aortic Valvular Function During Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Support

Abstract

Objective: Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices (CF-LVADs) are miniaturised devices supporting the failing left ventricle and alter the blood flow in the cardiovascular system which may cause severe health complications. Regurgitation and stenosis in mitral and aortic valves may further aggravate complications and limit the efficiency of CF-LVAD support. Within this context, real-time monitoring of the blood flow in the CF-LVAD support will allow early detection of mitral and aortic valve problems and timely intervention before the valvular problems are worsened. Addressing these issues, this study detects mitral regurgitation, stenosis, and aortic regurgitation during CF-LVAD support by monitoring CF-LVAD electrical current. Methods: Patient-specific electrocardiograph RR interval time series with normal sinus rhythm were incorporated into a cardiovascular system model including CF-LVAD whilst simulating mild and moderate mitral regurgitation, stenosis, and aortic regurgitation. Spearman rank test was used to analyse the correlation between CF-LVAD electrical current signal waveforms over left ventricular systole and left atrial contraction. Results: Correlation coefficients between the CF-LVAD electrical current signals in normal heart valve function and mild and moderate mitral regurgitation were 0.07 and -0.68. In normal heart valve function and mild and moderate mitral stenosis were 0.82 and 0.68. Within the normal heart valve function and mild and moderate aortic regurgitation the correlation coefficients 0.86 and 0.61, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that CF-LVAD electrical current signal waveforms can be used for both diagnosis and prognosis of mitral and aortic disorders, thereby representing a potential innovation in the field of both bioelectronics and biosensors.