Transient and quasi-steady computational fluid dynamics study of a left ventricular assist device.
The HeartQuest continuous flow left ventricle assist device (LVAD) with a magnetically levitated impeller operates under highly transient flow conditions. Due to insertion of the in-flow cannula into the apex of the left ventricle, the inlet flow rate is transient because of ventricular contraction, and the pump's asymmetric circumferential configuration with five rotating blades forces blood intermittently through the pump to the great arteries. These two transient conditions correspond to time varying boundary conditions and transient rotational sliding interfaces in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). CFD was used to investigate the pump's performance under these dynamic flow conditions. A quasi-steady analysis was also conducted to evaluate the difference between the steady and transient analyses and demonstrate the significance of transient analysis, especially for transient rotational sliding interfaces transient simulations. This transient flow analysis can be applied generally in the design process of LVADs; it provides more reliable fluid forces and moments on the impeller for successful design of the magnetic suspension system and motor.
Song
Xinwei
X
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA.
Throckmorton
Amy L
AL
Wood
Houston G
HG
Allaire
Paul E
PE
Olsen
Don B
DB
D001775:Blood Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D018056:Hemorheology; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D011312:Pressure; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012399:Rotation