Computational prediction of hemolysis in a centrifugal ventricular assist device.
This paper describes the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict numerically the hemolysis in centrifugal pumps. A numerical hydrodynamical model, based on the full Navier-Stokes equation, was used to obtain the flow in a vaneless centrifugal pump (of corotating disks type). After proper postprocessing, critical zones in the channel were identified by means of two-dimensional color-coded maps of %Hb release. Simulation of different conditions revealed that flow behavior at the entrance region of the channel is the main cause of blood trauma in such devices. A useful feature resulting from the CFD simulation is the visualization of critical flow zones that are impossible to determine experimentally with in vitro hemolysis tests.
Pinotti
M
M
Departmento de Energia, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica-UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil.
Rosa
E S
ES
D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012212:Rheology