Computational Fluid-Structure Interaction Study of a New Wave Membrane Blood Pump

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Wave membrane blood pumps (WMBP) offer a novel approach to blood propulsion using undulating membranes.
• Understanding the performance of new WMBP designs is crucial for advancing medical device technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To computationally investigate the performance of a new J-shaped wave membrane blood pump (WMBP).
• To evaluate the WMBP under various working conditions for potential human patient applications.

Main Methods:

• Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations were performed in 3D geometries using the extended finite element method (XFEM).
• A contact model was incorporated to simulate membrane-wall collisions.
• Hydraulic performance was assessed by determining mean flow rate and membrane envelope, alongside preliminary hemocompatibility analysis via fluid shear stress.

Main Results:

• Hydraulic output increased with higher frequency and amplitude of membrane oscillations, with minimal impact on fluid stresses, indicating favorable hemocompatibility.
• The new J-shaped WMBP design demonstrated superior hydraulic power compared to a previous iteration.
• An operating point achieving a physiological flow rate target at 80 mmHg diastolic head pressure was identified.

Conclusions:

• A novel J-shaped WMBP design was computationally evaluated using an advanced FSI model with contact.
• The model accurately predicts hydraulic performance and aids in selecting optimal operating points for future clinical trials.
• This research provides a foundation for the upcoming first-in-human trials of the J-shaped WMBP.