Simulator for Modeling the Cardiovascular System for Testing Circulatory Assist Devices

A simulator of the human cardiovascular system intended for testing circulatory assist devices is described. The device is a hydraulic circuit that simulates the greater and lesser circulation. It consists of two artificial ventricles, four closed reservoirs, a pneumatic control system, a flow sensor, ten liquid pressure sensors, and two inductors to provide vascular resistance. The device has hydrodynamic characteristics comparable to that of the human heart. It can be used for preclinical testing of circulatory assist devices of the left ventricle, right ventricle, or both ventricles of the heart, and of the completely artificial heart.