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A Flow Visualization Study of Centrifugal Blood Pumps Developed for Long‐Term Usage
Author(s) -
Araki Kenji,
Taenaka Yoshiyuki,
Masuzawa Toru,
Inoue Kazushige,
Nakatani Takeshi,
Kinoshita Masayuki,
Akagi Haruhiko,
Baba Yuzo,
Matsuo Yoshiaki,
Sakaki Masayuki,
Anai Hirofumi,
Takano Hisateru
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
artificial organs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.684
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1525-1594
pISSN - 0160-564X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1594.1993.tb00585.x
Subject(s) - centrifugal pump , term (time) , flow visualization , visualization , computer science , flow (mathematics) , mechanics , mechanical engineering , engineering , impeller , physics , artificial intelligence , quantum mechanics
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‐ I, 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° to 60°. 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.