From Early Models to Emerging Trends: The Evolution of Computational Hemolysis Prediction

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Hematology

Background:

• Mechanical hemolysis is a critical complication of blood-contacting cardiovascular devices.
• Computational prediction of blood damage is essential for device evaluation.
• Existing numerical hemolysis models lack universal accuracy and predictive power.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical development of computational hemolysis models.
• To analyze various stress and strain-based modeling approaches.
• To highlight emerging trends for improved hemolysis prediction.

Main Methods:

• Traced the evolution of computational hemolysis models from stress-based to strain-based formulations.
• Examined different definitions of power-law shear stress, including Von Mises-like and turbulent dissipation rates.
• Analyzed Lagrangian and Eulerian approaches for numerical hemolysis prediction.

Main Results:

• Summarized the broad range of power-law constants and their development conditions.
• Detailed various stress-based and strain-based red blood cell models.
• Identified limitations in current computational hemolysis modeling.

Conclusions:

• A universally accurate computational hemolysis model is still needed.
• Strain-based and cellular/molecular level models show promise.
• Further research is required to develop more reliable hemolysis prediction methods.