Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

In Vitro Model of Physiological and Pathological Blood Flow with Application to Investigations of Vascular Cell Remodeling
Published on: November 3, 2015
Physiologic and hematologic concerns of rotary blood pumps: what needs to be improved?
Tohid Pirbodaghi1, Siavash Asgari, Chris Cotter
1Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, pirbodaghi@artorg.unibe.ch.
Abstract:
Over the past few decades, advances in ventricular assist device (VAD) technology have provided a promising therapeutic strategy to treat heart failure patients. Despite the improved performance and encouraging clinical outcomes of the new generation of VADs based on rotary blood pumps (RBPs), their physiologic and hematologic effects are controversial. Currently, clinically available RBPs run at constant speed, which results in limited control over cardiac workload and introduces blood flow with reduced pulsatility into the circulation. In this review, we first provide an update on the new challenges of mechanical circulatory support using rotary pumps including blood trauma, increased non-surgical bleeding rate, limited cardiac unloading, vascular malformations, end-organ function, and aortic valve insufficiency. Since the non-physiologic flow characteristic of these devices is one of the main subjects of scientific debate in the literature, we next emphasize the latest research regarding the development of a pulsatile RBP. Finally, we offer an outlook for future research in the field.
Related Concept Videos
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis III: Nursing Management
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Blood Flow
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

