Improving percutaneous driveline performance by mechanical design modifications

The percutaneous drivelines serve as a biomaterial interface between the exterior component (controller) and the blood pump, transmitting signals and power for wired ventricular assist devices (VADs). For long-term support, the mechanical design of drivelines plays a key role in preventing driveline infections and VAD system malfunctions. However, the mechanical design of VAD drivelines remains understudied. In this study, we introduce a framework that combines experimental data with mathematical modeling to analyze the mechanical response of VAD drivelines. We perform characterization tests on two distinct drivelines (HeartWare and HM3) and conducted further bending experiments to investigate the properties of the multi-layered HM3 design. Using these experimental data, we develop and validate a mathematical model of bending behavior that explicitly captures the stick–slip mechanics and frictional interactions at the interfaces between material layers. A sensitivity analysis was then conducted to quantify the significance of both material and interfacial properties on the overall bending response. Among the parameters, the thickness of the outer insulating layer is most sensitive to the bending stiffness, highlighting a primary target for design optimization. These experimental and mathematical findings show how mechanical and material properties of drivelines can be further modified to improve the overall performance of VAD applications for heart failure patients.