A preliminary flow visualization study in a multiple disk centrifugal artificial ventricle.
Flow patterns in a multiple disk centrifugal pump were analyzed so that the device could be incorporated as a ventricular assist or a bridge-to-transplant device. The pump operates either in pulsatile or steady flow modes with the ability to change modes within a fraction of a second. The pump was tested on a mock circulatory system consisting of an arterial fluid capacitor, a systemic resistor, and a venous capacitor. Arterial volume flow rate, arterial pressure, inlet (venous) pressure, and pump rotation speed are continually monitored. A glycerin/water solution is used as a blood analog. Flow visualization was performed with a 3 mW yellow laser, sheet lens, neutrally buoyant amberlite particles, and both still and motion picture photography. Flow patterns matched theoretical predictions very well; inlet flow spread radially outward through the disk annular spaces while propelled by shear and centrifugal forces.
Miller
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GE
Bioengineering Program, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843, USA.
Madigan
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M
Fink
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R
D001773:Blood Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D004867:Equipment Design; D006354:Heart, Artificial / Q000592:standards; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000592:standards*; D007834:Lasers; D008863:Microspheres; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D012399:Rotation; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014743:Videotape Recording