The International journal of artificial organs
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We are developing a new left atrial assist device (LAAD) for patients who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study aimed to assess the hemodynamic effects of the LAAD under both normal heart conditions and various diastolic heart failure (DHF) conditions using a mock circulatory loop. A continuous-flow pump that simulates LAAD, was placed between the left atrial (LA) reservoir and a pneumatic ventricle that simulated a native left ventricle on a pulsatile mock loop. ⋯ The LAP decreased from 21-23 to 17-19 mm Hg in all DHF conditions (difference not significant). Furthermore, hemodynamic parameters improved for all DHF conditions, independent of heart rate. The LAAD can provide adequate flow to maintain the circulation status at various heart rates in an in vitro mock circulatory loop.