Effect of Pulsatile Blood Flow Parameters on Membrane Oxygenator Performance: A Cross-Scale Simulation Study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

• Pulsatile blood flow may enhance microcirculation and oxygenator efficiency.
• The precise impact of pulsatile flow parameters on oxygen transfer rates is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between pulsatile blood flow parameters and oxygenator oxygen transfer rate.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of oxygen transfer variations using a cross-scale model.

Main Methods:

• Developed a cross-scale simulation model, including macroscopic and microscopic components.
• Utilized a macroscopic model to calculate oxygen transfer rates under varied pulsatile flow.
• Employed a back propagation neural network to extend simulation results.
• Used a microscopic model to analyze hollow fiber membrane mechanisms.

Main Results:

• At 1 L/min, pulsatile flow parameters minimally affected oxygen transfer.
• At 2-5 L/min, pulsatile flow increased oxygen transfer by 3-6% compared to steady flow.
• Optimal conditions for increased transfer: pulsation frequency < 0.5 Hz and amplitude > 80%.

Conclusions:

• Pulsatile blood flow parameters significantly influence oxygenator oxygen transfer rates, particularly at higher flow rates.
• Specific pulsatile flow characteristics (low frequency, high amplitude) can improve oxygenator efficiency.
• Deviations from optimal parameters can diminish or negate the benefits of pulsatile flow.