Vibrational Characterization of Cavitation in Left Ventricular Assist Device

Background: The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a mechanical circulatory support device for patients with severe heart failure. Microbubbles caused by cavitation in the LVAD can potentially lead to physiological and pump-related complications. The aim of this study is to characterize the vibrational patterns in the LVAD during cavitation. Methods: The LVAD was integrated into an in vitro circuit and mounted with a high-frequency accelerometer. Accelerometry signals were acquired with different relative pump inlet pressures ranging from baseline (+20 mmHg) to −600 mmHg in order to induce cavitation. Microbubbles were monitored with dedicated sensors at the pump inlet and outlet to quantify the degree of cavitation. Acceleration signals were analyzed in the frequency domain to identify changes in the frequency patterns when cavitation occurred. Results: Significant cavitation occurred at the low inlet pressure (−600 mmHg) and was detected in the frequency range between 1800 and 9000 Hz. Minor degrees of cavitation at higher inlet pressures (−300 to −500 mmHg) were detected in the frequency range between 500–700, 1600–1700 Hz, and around 12 000 Hz. The signal power of the dominating frequency ranges was statistically significantly different from baseline signals. Conclusion: Vibrational measurements in the LVAD can be used to detect cavitation. A significant degree of cavitation could be detected in a wide frequency range, while minor cavitation activity could only be detected in more narrow frequency ranges. Continuous vibrational LVAD monitoring can potentially be used to detect cavitation and minimize the damaging effect associated with cavitation.