TITLE:
A PID-Based Speed Modulation Method for Left Ventricular Assist Devices
AUTHORS:
Ziteng Tong, Zhe Gou, Jianping Tan
KEYWORDS:
Left Ventricular Assist Device, Physiological Control System, PID Control
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.15 No.11,
November
26,
2025
ABSTRACT: Although left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been widely used for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF), their speed modulation remains a challenge. Currently, the speed is set by physicians, predominantly relying on their empirical judgment, and remains fixed during long-term support. The optimal speed varies significantly among patients due to individual differences in physiological status, the severity of heart failure, and the specific LVAD product implanted. In this work, we proposed a PID-based controller to obtain the optimal speed which satisfies the demands of different patients. Physiological indicators such as the mean aortic flow rate and the mean aortic pressure are chosen as control targets. After each cardiac cycle, these indicators are transferred to the PID controller in order to adjust the pump speed. This PID-based controller is then validated numerically on a cardiovascular system-LVAD coupling model. Results show that the proposed controller is able to find the optimal speed in both the flow rate control mode and the pressure control mode. The PID-base controller is further tested for two different LVADs. The same cardiac outputs are obtained, proving its robustness and universality. This method offers a simple, robust, and model-free framework for adapting LVAD support to the needs of HF patients. It can help physicians to determine the initial pump speed, and also enable autonomous speed modulation for HF patients with long-term LVAD support.