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In Vitro Model of Physiological and Pathological Blood Flow with Application to Investigations of Vascular Cell Remodeling
Published on: November 3, 2015
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Fluid Dynamics in Rotary Piston Blood Pumps
Johannes Wappenschmidt1,2, Simon J Sonntag3, Martin Buesen3
1Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Helmholtz-Institute RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 20, 52074, Aachen, Germany. wappenschmidt@ame.rwth-aachen.de.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|July 29, 2016
Summary
Rotary piston pumps offer potential advantages over existing mechanical circulatory support devices. This study investigated their flow characteristics using particle image velocimetry and computational simulation, establishing a foundation for improved designs.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Devices
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is vital for failing native hearts.
- Early displacement pumps had size and durability limitations.
- Rotary pumps improved MCS but introduced complications like bleeding and thromboembolism due to non-pulsatile flow and high shear stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the flow characteristics of rotary piston pumps (RPPs).
- To assess the potential of RPPs to overcome limitations of current MCS devices.
- To establish a reliable method for evaluating RPP design variations.
Main Methods:
- Manufactured a functional model of an RPP.
- Employed particle image velocimetry (PIV) for experimental flow analysis.
- Developed a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) computational simulation for extended analysis.
Main Results:
- Experimental and computational results showed precise convergence.
- The in silico model facilitated investigation of challenging areas like gap flows.
- An economical method for assessing design variations was successfully established.
Conclusions:
- RPPs show promise for MCS, potentially avoiding complications associated with current rotary pumps.
- The established in silico model provides a powerful tool for RPP development and optimization.
- This study lays the groundwork for advancing RPP technology in mechanical circulatory support.
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