A flow visualization study of centrifugal blood pumps developed for long-term usage.
We have developed centrifugal pumps for long-term circulatory assistance, with the final goal of a completely implantable ventricular assist device or total artificial heart. The previous model, NCVC-0, was characterized by a nonseal design and few flow-stagnating parts and acquired high durability and antithrombogenicity. To improve its pumping performance, NCVC-0 was modified. In the new model, NCVC-1, the profile shape of the impeller was changed from flat to conical, the number of vanes from 4 to 6, and the vane entrance angle from 30 degrees to 60 degrees. A flow visualization study performed by means of a combination of the polystyrene tracer method and the light-cutting method indicated decreased flow turbulence between vanes in NCVC-1, which corresponded well with the increased pumping performance. Flow visualization is a useful method to evaluate the design elements that are closely related to the pumping performance of a centrifugal blood pump.
Araki
K
K
Department of Artificial Organs, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka-Suita City, Japan.
Taenaka
Y
Y
Masuzawa
T
T
Inoue
K
K
Nakatani
T
T
Kinoshita
M
M
Akagi
H
H
Baba
Y
Y
Matsuo
Y
Y
Sakaki
M
M
D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D012212:Rheology