title: The effect of fluid viscosity on the hemodynamic energy changes during operation of the pulsatile ventricular assist device.
abstract: Blood viscosity during operation of ventricular assist device (VAD) can be changed by various conditions such as anemia. It is known generally that the blood viscosity can affect vascular resistance and lead to change of blood flow. In this study, the effect of fluid viscosity variation on hemodynamic energy was evaluated with a pulsatile blood pump in a mock system. Six solutions were used for experiments, which were composed of water and glycerin and had different viscosities of 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 cP. The hemodynamic energy at the outlet cannula was measured. Experimental results showed that mean pressure was increased in accordance with the viscosity increase. When the viscosity increased, the mean pressure was also increased. However, the flow was decreased according to the viscosity increase. Energy equivalent pressure value was increased according to the viscosity-induced pressure rise; however, surplus hemodynamic energy value did not show any apparent changing trend. The hemodynamic energy made by the pulsatile VAD was affected by the viscosity of the circulating fluid.
authors.affiliation: Korea Artificial Organ Center, Korea University Medical College, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Chi Bum
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Kuk Hui
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Son
authors.forename: Jung Joo
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jaesoon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Seung Joon
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Jae Seung
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Sung Ho
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Ho Sung
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Son
authors.forename: Kyung
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001809:Blood Viscosity; D004867:Equipment Design; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D011673:Pulsatile Flow