These systems are intended for long-term support for patients who are not candidates for cardiac transplantation, or whom are unlikely to receive scarce donor organs. The risk of infection is reduced by eliminating percutaneous conduits.
Power is delivered to the implant transcutaneously, via inductive coupling.
Long-term implantable devices present a number of engineering challenges in order to meet the requirements of long life, high reliability, small size, and energy efficiency. Dr. Weiss' research focuses on the hemodynamic and energetic performance of the TAH and VAD, using analysis, simulation, and in vivo and in vitro experiments. Other specific research areas include inductive energy transmission, wireless telemetry, instrumentation, and electric motor design and control. For example, interaction between the VAD and the native heart and circulation is of interest. Indices of device function, including VAD rate and other control variables, are affected by native heart rate and contractility, surgical placement of vascular conduits, patient position, and mechanical changes in the VAD device itself Analysis of VAD function will aid in patient management, detection of changes in VAD and patient hemodynamics, and failure prediction.