Design of an artificial lung compliance chamber for pulmonary replacement.

Matching the impedance of an artificial lung for pulmonary replacement to native pulmonary impedance is important in preventing right ventricular dysfunction. A lumped-parameter theoretical model and bench-top experiments were used to investigate the effect of a prototype compliance chamber on input impedance. The bench-top simulation consisted of a pulsatile flow generator, a prototype compliance chamber, and a low resistance artificial lung connected in series. Effective compliance was varied using pneumatic compression. The theoretical model considered a similar circuit with resistors before and after a compliance element. The bundle flow pulsatility (flow amplitude divided by average flow) and input impedance were calculated in the theoretical and experimental models. More compliance and lower upstream resistance result in lower bundle flow pulsatility and reduced first harmonic impedance. Matching the time scale of the circuit to the period of pulsatile flow also reduces impedance. The bench-top circuit demonstrated an optimal chamber pressure at which first harmonic impedance is reduced by 80%. The prototype compliance chamber in series with the artificial lung more closely matches native pulmonary impedance. The lumped-parameter model and the bench-top simulation will aid in the design and testing of compliance chamber modifications to improve its efficiency.