Energy Analysis of a Cardiac Assist Device based on Dielectric Elastomer Actuator through an Equivalent Electrical Circuit

Lumped parameter model and mock circulation loop are two tools commonly used in biomedical research to simulate cardiac system in order to study different assist devices. In this paper, a lumped parameter model is proposed to simulate a circulation loop. This model is further validated with measurement directly into a custom made mock-up. The objective of the model is to be able to study the influence of the geometrical parameters of a dielectric elastomer actuator based left ventricle assist device and its electrical activation in order to optimise the energy provided. Once the optimum actuator is designed with the equivalent model, the actuator is finally tested on the mock-up. It has been demonstrated thanks to the model, that the proposed actuator with the adequate activation, allows to release the energy of the heart of 4 to 5%.