Implementation of an Automated Peripheral Resistance Device in a Mock Circulatory Loop With Characterization of Performance Values Using Simulink Simscape and Parameter Estimation

Accurate peripheral resistance simulation in a mock circulatory loop is critical to the evaluation of ventricular assist devices and heart valves. Implementation of an automated device that is capable of accurate resistance settings and precise reproduction of cardiovascular parameters allows for improved construction of experimental conditions within a mock circulatory loop. A mock circulatory loop resistor that employs a proportional valve design is proposed; a piston extending into the flow path to produce a resistance to flow. Real-time position feedback of the piston is used to determine orifice size, providing resolution in the change of resistance over time. Characterization of the physical system with The MathWorks SIMULINK™ SIMSCAPE™ block set allowed the determination of objective device parameters; the discharge coefficient and critical Reynolds number. The determination of these values was achieved utilizing the SIMULINK™ Parameter Estimation™ tool, experimental data, and a computational plant model of the experimental setup. With this information, an accurate computational model of the resistance device is presented for use in determining resistance settings in silico prior to implementation in the mock circulatory loop. Experimental in vitro trials verified the repeatability of the automated resistor performance by means of a staircase testing of piston position during several different continuous flow rates of a glycerin/water solution.