Improving hydraulic performance of the left atrial assist device using computational fluid dynamics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Devices
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• The left atrial assist device (LAAD) is a novel continuous-flow pump for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
• Limited device options exist for this growing patient population.
• The LAAD is implanted in the mitral plane, pumping blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To refine the initial LAAD design using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• To improve hydraulic performance and internal flow patterns within the LAAD.

Main Methods:

• Simulated initial LAAD design and three variations.
• Explored changes to impeller blades, housing, and diffuser vanes.
• Modeled various pump speeds and flow rates.

Main Results:

• Final design featured improved impeller blade alignment and wider, curved diffuser vanes.
• Reduced flow separation in impeller and diffuser regions.
• In vitro testing confirmed CFD-predicted hydraulic performance improvements.

Conclusions:

• CFD analysis identified key design parameters for enhancing LAAD hydraulic performance.
• Optimized internal flow patterns were achieved.
• This study provides a foundation for future clinical biocompatibility assessments.