Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
06:16
Tracking Fibrinolysis of Chandler Loop-Formed Whole Blood Clots Under Shear Flow in An In-Vitro Thrombolysis Model
Published on: April 19, 2024
In vitro and computational thrombosis on artificial surfaces with shear stress
Scott C Corbett1, Amin Ajdari, Ahmet U Coskun
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA. scorbett@abiomed.com
Artificial Organs
|May 26, 2010
Summary
This study identifies critical shear stress and shear rate thresholds for predicting thrombus deposition on implantable devices. Understanding these thresholds aids in preventing blood clots and improving device safety.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Device Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Implantable devices interacting with blood pose a risk of thromboembolic events.
- Understanding thrombosis mechanisms on artificial surfaces is crucial for device development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify thrombus deposition on artificial surfaces.
- To identify surface areas susceptible to thrombus formation.
- To establish thresholds for thrombosis prediction.
Main Methods:
- Experimental quantification of thrombus deposits on artificial blood step transitions.
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to analyze shear stress and shear rate distributions.
- Correlation of CFD results with experimental data to determine thrombosis thresholds.
Main Results:
- Larger and negative (expanding) steps on artificial surfaces lead to increased thrombus deposits.
- A shear stress threshold of 0.41 Pa or a shear rate threshold of 54 s⁻¹ was identified for thrombosis.
- These thresholds are specific to solvent-polished polycarbonate surfaces under defined in vitro conditions.
Conclusions:
- CFD and experimental models are effective tools for predicting thrombosis on implantable devices.
- Identifying thrombosis thresholds can guide the design of safer medical devices.
- These models can aid in assessing existing clinical thrombosis issues and preventing future complications.
