World Heart Corporation

Gordon B Jacobs

Scott D Miles

Gill Brent Bearnson

Gill B Beamson

Gill Bearnson

Methods for determining a viscosity of a fluid passing through a fluid pump are disclosed. An amount of energy associated with axially moving a rotor may be determined and correlated to a viscosity of fluid interacting therewith. For example, energy associated with a response of a suspended rotor may be determined. The amount of energy may be correlated with a viscosity of the fluid interacting with the rotor. The rotor may be initially unsuspended and an amount of energy associated with suspending the rotor may be determined and correlated with a viscosity of fluid interacting with the rotor. In another method, subsequent to suspending a rotor, the rotor may be unsuspended and an energy response of the rotor may be quantified to determine a viscosity of fluid passing through the pump. Systems for determining a viscosity of a fluid are also disclosed.

Methods and systems for determining a viscosity of a fluid

A method and apparatus for controlling a ventricular assist device are disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a ventricular assist device which can be defined in terms of operational parameters such as pump speed or current. Measuring at least one physiological parameter reflecting a physiological state corresponding to a patient. Correlating at least one physiological parameter measured from the patient to at least one operational parameter using an estimation method. Selecting a physiological state definable by desired values of the physiological parameters. Monitoring at least one operational parameter. Controlling input values of the operational parameter based on output from the monitoring step. The apparatus includes a pump driven by a motive drive and having an impeller. A sensor detects the value of an operational parameter of the pump. A processor provides a statistical correlation between patients physiological parameter and the operational parameter of the pump and adjusts the operational parameter to affect a predetermined optimal physiological state.

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Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Gordon B Jacobs