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Ghost Cells as a Two-Phase Blood Analog Fluid -Fluorescent Mechanical Hemolysis Detection
Benjamin J Schürmann1, Bennet F Holst1, Pia Creutz1
1Department of Cardiovascular Engineering, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, University Hospital RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
This study introduces fluorescent hemolysis detection, an optical method for pinpointing mechanical hemolysis in circulatory support systems. This technique visualizes localized damage, overcoming limitations of current general hemolysis tests.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Optical Sensing
- Hemodynamics
Background:
- Standard hemolysis tests (ASTM1841-19) quantify general red blood cell damage but lack localization.
- Current simulation methods for mechanical circulatory support systems have limitations in experimentally detecting localized hemolysis.
- Mechanical circulatory support systems can cause hemolysis, necessitating methods for precise damage assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate fluorescent hemolysis detection as an optical method for localizing mechanical hemolysis.
- To address the limitations of standard hemolysis tests and simulation methods by providing localized experimental data.
- To investigate the efficacy of fluorescent indicators in detecting hemolysis within mechanical circulatory support systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a two-phase blood analog fluid with calcium-loaded ghost cells and a calcium-sensitive fluorescent indicator (Cal590).
- Ghost cells (hemoglobin-depleted red blood cells) enabled optical measurements, with hemolysis triggering calcium release and fluorescence.
- Conducted mechanical hemolysis tests using porcine whole blood and the blood analog fluid in a Food and Drug Administration pump model.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated increased fluorescence intensity directly correlating with hemolysis.
- Quantified a fluorescence increase of 8.85/min at 3500 rpm and 2.5 L/min, indicating hemolysis, particularly near the rotor tip.
- Successfully visualized local hemolysis through image processing of fluorescence data.
Conclusions:
- This research presents the first application of fluorescent hemolysis detection for identifying local mechanical hemolysis.
- The developed method offers a novel approach to bridge simulation limitations with experimental, localized hemolysis detection.
- Further refinements hold potential for improving the design and safety of mechanical circulatory support systems.
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