The International journal of artificial organs
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Comparative Study
PUCA pump and IABP comparison: analysis of hemodynamic and energetic effects using a digital computer model of the circulation.
The pulsatile catheter pump (PUCA pump) is a left ventricular assist device that provides additional flow to the left ventricle. It is usually run in order to ensure a counterpulsation effect, as in the case of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). Because of this similarity, a comparison between the PUCA pump and the IABP was conducted from both the hemodynamic and energetic points of view. ⋯ On the other hand, for lower values of Csa, IABP performance improves so much that the PUCA pump flow needs to be increased in order to ensure a hemodynamic effect comparable to that of the IABP. Energetic results show a trend similar to the hemodynamic ones. The study will be continued by investigating other energetic variables and the autonomic response of the cardiovascular system.