Flow pattern analysis of the Baylor total artificial heart

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Devices
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Optimal design of the left blood chamber in total artificial hearts (TAH) is crucial for effective blood circulation.
• Previous designs faced challenges with flow stagnation and inefficient washout in critical areas.
• Understanding fluid dynamics within the TAH is essential for improving device performance and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve an optimal design for the left blood chamber of a total artificial heart (TAH).
• To investigate and resolve issues of blood flow stagnation and poor washout.
• To enhance the valve closing characteristics for improved TAH efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Conducted flow visualization studies using sectional pulsed laser light to gather velocity data.
• Photographed flow patterns frame-by-frame throughout the entire pumping duration.
• Modified the inflow valve angle by 20 degrees and performed comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified major stagnation and low washout effects in the bottom region of the original design.
• Observed irregular inflow valve closing in the initial configuration.
• The modified inflow valve angle (20 degrees) resulted in improved valve closing and eliminated stagnation areas.

Conclusions:

• Adjusting the inflow valve angle significantly enhances the hydrodynamic performance of the TAH left blood chamber.
• The revised design demonstrates superior valve closing characteristics and eliminates undesirable stagnation.
• These findings contribute to the development of more efficient and reliable total artificial hearts.