Theodor Abart, MSc

Keywords 
Animal models; Artificial Organs; Assisted Circulation; Assisted Circulation; Biomedical Engineering; Blood; Cardiac surgery; Cardiovascular; Cardiovascular System; Heart; Heart Failure

Research interests
Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) has become a well-established therapeutic approach for patients in advanced stages of heart failure. Presently, centrifugal flow blood pumps have emerged as the primary choice for assisting compromised cardiac function. The prevailing strategy predominantly involves diverting blood directly from the left ventricle to the ascending aorta, therefore using the pump in the configuration of a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD).

Notwithstanding the commendable outcomes observed with MCS therapy, particularly in the context of extended treatment, certain critical areas necessitate further investigation and refinement. These areas encompass issues related to hemocompatibility, the intricate dynamics of heart-pump interactions, physiological responses during physical exertion, and the occurrence of adverse events. Addressing and resolving these challenges is paramount for the continued advancement of MCS therapy.

Techniques, methods & infrastructure
The primary focus of our research is placed on gaining a profound understanding of the interaction between the heart and a centrifugal flow MCS device by utilizing various pump parameters. These motor parameters, specific to centrifugal flow MCS devices, serve as valuable indicators for determining the hemodynamic conditions under which the pump operates.

In pursuit of this objective, a hybrid mock circulatory loop is employed to acquire in-vitro pump data. These acquired data are essential for characterizing the pump's performance across its entire operational range. Subsequently, these characterizations are complemented by in vivo and in-vitro tests assessing hemocompatibility. Additionally, sophisticated algorithms will be developed to control the MCS device based on a minimal set of sensors in conjunction with the available motor parameters.

The insights and outcomes of this preclinical research endeavor have the potential to enhance the efficacy of MCS device therapy when translated to clinical application at the bedside.

Research group(s)

• CARE - Cardiovascular Research and Engineering
• Christian Doppler Lab for Mechanical Circulatory Support

Selected publications

• Abart, T. et al. (2023) ‘(210) Early Markers for Hemocompatibility Related Adverse Events Based on Routinely Available Pump Parameters from HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients’, The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation, 42(4), pp. S103–S104. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.1514.
• Widhalm, G. et al. (2023) ‘Human Factors Evaluation of HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device Peripherals: An Eye Tracking Supported Simulation Study’, Journal of Medical Systems, 47(1). Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10916-023-01950-3.
• ESAO Abstract Book’ (2022) The International Journal of Artificial Organs, 45(9), pp. 729–796. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/03913988221117047.

Members of the CARE Team