Improvement of hemodynamic performance using novel helical flow vena cava filter design

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Cardiovascular Devices

Background:

• Inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) are crucial for preventing pulmonary embolism.
• Traditional IVCFs can cause adverse hemodynamic effects and thrombosis.
• Minimizing filter-induced flow disruption is essential for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel vena cava filter design incorporating helical flow.
• To assess the impact of helical flow on blood flow patterns and hemodynamics within the filter.
• To compare the efficacy of different helical flow inducers in mitigating filter-related complications.

Main Methods:

• Reconstruction of the vena cava anatomy using computed tomography (CT) imaging.
• Numerical simulations to analyze blood flow patterns and shear stress.
• In vitro experiments to validate simulation findings and observe flow dynamics.
• Comparison of five helical flow inducers with varying thread pitches.

Main Results:

• Helical flow inducers effectively generated helical flow, reducing adverse flow disruption.
• Increased flow-induced shear stress was observed in the filter center.
• Smaller thread pitch inducers minimized oscillating shear index and relative residence time on the vessel wall.
• Helical flow inducers induced both clockwise and counterclockwise flow rotation.

Conclusions:

• The proposed vena cava filter design with helical flow improves local hemodynamics.
• Smaller thread pitch helical flow inducers offer superior performance in reducing adverse flow conditions.
• This design shows promise in reducing thrombosis build-up compared to traditional filters.