Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
09:15
In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices
Published on: March 21, 2025
Device Thrombogenicity Emulator (DTE)--design optimization methodology for cardiovascular devices: a study in two
Michalis Xenos1, Gaurav Girdhar, Yared Alemu
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, HSC T18-030, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8181, USA.
Journal of Biomechanics
|May 21, 2010
Summary
Optimizing prosthetic heart valve (PHV) designs can reduce thrombogenicity. A new Device Thrombogenicity Emulator (DTE) method combined simulations and experiments to assess platelet activation, finding higher activity in one valve design.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Device Development
- Hemodynamics and Thrombosis
Background:
- Prosthetic heart valves (PHVs) necessitate lifelong anticoagulation due to thrombogenic risks.
- Reducing flow-induced thrombogenicity in PHV designs could eliminate the need for anticoagulants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a Device Thrombogenicity Emulator (DTE) methodology for optimizing PHV thrombo-resistance.
- To compare the thrombogenic performance of two bileaflet mechanical heart valve (MHV) designs: St. Jude Medical (SJM) and ATS.
Main Methods:
- Combined numerical simulations (transient turbulent and direct numerical simulations) to calculate platelet stress loading.
- Emulated flow conditions using a hemodynamic shearing device (HSD) based on simulated stress waveforms.
- Measured platelet activation using a modified prothrombinase assay in response to emulated flow.
Main Results:
- Numerical simulations revealed design-dependent differences in platelet stress loading between SJM and ATS valves.
- Experimental measurements showed significantly higher platelet activity for the SJM valve, particularly during regurgitation.
- Experimental results demonstrated excellent agreement with calculated platelet activation potential.
Conclusions:
- The Device Thrombogenicity Emulator (DTE) methodology effectively evaluates the thrombogenic performance of PHV designs.
- The DTE serves as a valuable test bed for refining PHV designs to improve thrombo-resistance and potentially reduce anticoagulation needs.
