A mechanical circulatory assist system includes a continuous-flow pump and a controller. The pump is implantable to assist blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta The controller is operable to control a rotation speed of the pump over an operational cycle. The operational cycle includes a first segment over which the ventricular assist device is operated at first rotation speed, a second segment over which the rotation speed of the ventricular assist device is decreased from the first rotation speed to a second rotation speed, a third segment over which the ventricular assist device is operated at the second rotation speed, and a fourth segment over which the rotation speed of the ventricular assist device is increased from the second rotation speed. A contraction of the left ventricle that opens and closes the native aortic valve occurs during the third segment.
