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Protruding Objects in the Membrane Lung Outlet May Increase Thrombogenicity: Fluid Dynamical Insights
Frida Nilsson1, Monica Emendi1, Lars Mikael Broman2,3
1From the FLOW, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Stockholm, Sweden.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|August 26, 2025
Summary
Flow dynamics in membrane lungs can cause blood clots during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Protruding components create turbulence, activating platelets and increasing thrombosis risk, necessitating design review.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
- Hematology
Background:
- Thrombosis in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits is a significant clinical challenge.
- Blood flow dynamics, alongside blood state and surface properties, critically influence hemostasis.
- The complex geometry of membrane lungs (MLs), particularly with protruding components, may contribute to coagulation activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fluid dynamics within a membrane lung outlet.
- To assess the risk of flow-induced coagulation activation due to complex ML geometry.
- To analyze the impact of protruding components on blood flow and platelet behavior.
Main Methods:
- Large eddy simulations (LES) of blood flow at 1 and 4 L/min.
- Analysis of recirculation bubbles and vortical structures.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of an extracted thrombus.
Main Results:
- Simulations revealed recirculation bubbles and strong vortical structures at the ML outlet.
- Flow past protruding components mimicked bluff body characteristics, trapping platelets.
- High elongational shear rates (> 2,000 s⁻¹) were observed near the temperature sensor at 4 L/min, potentially activating platelets.
Conclusions:
- The design of MLs with protruding elements can promote flow-induced thrombosis.
- Platelet activation and entrapment are linked to specific flow structures and shear rates.
- A review of ECMO device designs is recommended to mitigate blood trauma and reduce coagulation risk.
Keywords:
ECMOcomputational fluid dynamicslarge eddy simulationsmembrane lungoxygenatorscanning electron microscopythrombogenicityMore Related Videos
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