Self-management protocol for a moving-actuator type artificial heart

In this paper, we describe the development of a self-management protocol for a controller of a moving-actuator type artificial heart, AnyHeart™. The developed protocol analyzes motor current signals and detects abnormal pumping statuses. If preset abnormal pumping statuses are detected by an implemented algorithm, a controller triggers an emergency management procedure and transmits an alarm message to predetermined medical and engineering staffs via a cellular phone network to notify them of an abnormal pumping status occurrence and its likely cause. Results of in vitro performance experiments showed that the developed protocol can detect simulated abnormalities in motor current, manage the perating status of the blood pump during an emergency, and transmit an alarm message as desired.