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In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices
Mansur Zhussupbekov1, Scott Stelick2, Rugveda Thanneeru3
1Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University; mz332@cornell.edu.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|April 7, 2025
Summary
This study presents a new in vitro method to assess ventricular assist device (VAD) thrombogenicity, identifying high-risk areas early in VAD development. The protocol aids in mitigating thrombosis risks before animal testing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Devices
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Thrombosis is a major risk with ventricular assist devices (VADs).
- Current animal study methods for VAD thrombogenicity are expensive, slow, ethically challenging, and may not predict human outcomes.
- There is a need for more effective and accessible VAD thrombogenicity assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an aggressive in vitro testing protocol for VADs.
- To identify potential thrombogenic hotspots in VADs.
- To provide a practical tool for early-stage VAD development and risk mitigation.
Main Methods:
- An aggressive in vitro protocol was developed to provoke thrombosis.
- The protocol uses a modified anticoagulation strategy and accessible components.
- Iterative testing and refinement were performed on a pediatric VAD (PediaFlow PF5).
Main Results:
- The method successfully identified thrombogenic hotspots in VAD prototypes.
- Design and manufacturing flaws leading to thrombosis were detected.
- Targeted improvements were enabled before progression to animal studies.
Conclusions:
- The developed in vitro protocol is a practical tool for VAD thrombogenicity assessment.
- It effectively identifies high-risk areas, aiding early design improvements.
- This method complements existing approaches, enhancing VAD safety and development.
