Experimental Hemodynamics Within the Penn State Fontan Circulatory Assist Device

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Science
• Medical Devices

Background:

• The Fontan operation is a palliative procedure for single-ventricle congenital heart disease.
• Fontan patients often develop heart failure, necessitating heart transplantation.
• Current subpulmonary support devices lack FDA approval.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the hemodynamics of a novel hydrodynamically levitated Fontan circulatory assist device (FCAD).
• To assess the device's suitability for bridge-to-transplant or destination therapy in Fontan patients.

Main Methods:

• Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to quantify flow fields and stresses within the FCAD.
• Hemodynamic data were collected under steady and pulsatile flow conditions at three physiological operating points.
• Measurements were taken at multiple planes within the device, including inlets and outlet.

Main Results:

• Inlet velocity profiles were blunt, skewing towards the rotor as flow progressed.
• A high-velocity helical jet was observed at the outlet.
• Turbulent stresses at the outlet were influenced by rotor rotation.

Conclusions:

• The FCAD demonstrated a predictable flow field suitable for clinical application.
• Calculated wall shear rates and turbulent stresses suggest a low risk of platelet adhesion and hemolysis.
• The device shows potential as a circulatory assist for Fontan patients awaiting transplantation or for destination therapy.