Dielectric elastomer Actuator-Based valveless pump as fontan failure assist device: Introduction and preliminary study.

Fontan failure refers to a condition in which the Fontan circulation, a surgical procedure used to treat certain congenital heart defects, becomes insufficient, leading to compromised cardiac function and potential complications. This in vitro study therefore investigates the feasibility of bladeless impedance-driven cavopulmonary assist device via dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) as a means to address Fontan failure. A cavopulmonary assist device, constructed using DEA technologies and employing the impedance pump concept, is subjected to in vitro testing within a closed-loop setup. This study aims to assess the device's functionality and performance under controlled conditions, providing valuable insights into its potential application as a cavopulmonary assistive technology. The DEA-based pump, measuring 50 mm in length and 30 mm in diameter, is capable of achieving substantial flow rates within a closed-loop setup, reaching up to 1.20 L/min at an activation frequency of 4 Hz. It also provides a broad range of working internal pressures (less than 10 mmHg to more than 20 mmHg). Lastly, the properties of the flow (direction, magnitude, etc) can be controlled by adjusting the input signal parameters (frequency, amplitude, etc). In summary, the results suggests that the valveless impedance-driven pump utilizing DEA technology is promising in the context of cavopulmonary assist devices. Further research and development in this area may lead to innovative and potentially more effective solutions for assisting the right heart, ultimately benefiting patients with heart-related health issues overall, with a particular focus on those experiencing Fontan failure.

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© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.