Viscous energy dissipation on hemolysis across various flow regimes using a high-shear device

The effect of viscous energy dissipation on hemolysis has been studied primarily in homogeneous shear flow scenarios, where a clear relationship between viscous energy dissipation and blood damage is observed. However, medical blood-contact devices often involve more complex flow states, such as turbulent flow, small and larger perturbations from average velocity, vortices, etc which may alter this relationship. This study investigates how varying flow regimes influence the relationship between viscous energy dissipation and hemolysis, using a shearing device that mimics conditions typical of cardiovascular prosthetics. The results suggest that while energy dissipation correlates with hemolysis in homogeneous shear flow, in more complex flow states, this relationship is influenced by additional factors such as flow disturbances and turbulence. Notably, at the same viscous energy dissipation rate, flow in disturbed states resulted in higher levels of hemolysis compared to homogeneous shear flow. These findings highlight the necessity of incorporating various flow conditions into future hemolysis prediction models to better understand and mitigate blood damage in medical device design.