Controlling the kinematics of the left ventricle to treat resistant hypertension

Abstract

The intention of this thesis is to present a novel controller design that eliminates hypertension in patients who suffer from resistant hypertension. The controller is designed by first translating the functionality of the left ventricle (LV) from a biological system to a system of dynamic equations, which is accomplished by defining pressure-rise-rate equations for the LV and aorta. The result is a dynamic model completely describing these pressures in terms of cardiovascular parameters associated with the LV. Using this model, the LV volume is controlled by implementing a first-order dynamic model for the LV. This produces a controller design capable of reducing systolic and diastolic aortic pressures to values that the physician desires; moreover, by defining hypertensive pressures within the cardiovascular system, the controller presented in this thesis demonstrates the effectiveness that controlling LV volume has in reducing aortic pressures to desired values.