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Comparison of Hydraulic and Hemolytic Properties of Different Impeller Designs of an Implantable Rotary Blood Pump by Computational Fluid Dynamics
Author(s) -
Arvand Arash,
Hahn Nicole,
Hormes Marcus,
Akdis Mustafa,
Martin Michael,
Reul Helmut
Publication year - 2004
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.1525-1594.2004.07379.x
Subject(s) - impeller , computational fluid dynamics , shear stress , mechanics , mechanical engineering , engineering , turbulence , pressure head , fluid dynamics , materials science , structural engineering , physics
A mixed‐flow blood pump for long‐term applications has been developed at the Helmholtz‐Institute in Aachen, Germany. Central features of this implantable pump are a centrally integrated motor, a blood‐immersed mechanical bearing, magnetic coupling of the impeller, and a shrouded impeller, which allows a relatively wide clearance. The aim of the study was a numerical analysis of hydraulic and hemolytic properties of different impeller design configurations. In vitro testing and numerical simulation techniques (computational fluid dynamics [CFD]) were applied to achieve a comprehensive overview. Pressure–flow charts were experimentally measured in a mock loop in order to validate the CFD data. In vitro hemolysis tests were performed at the main operating point of each impeller design. General flow patterns, pressure–flow charts, secondary flow rates, torque, and axial forces on the impeller were calculated by means of CFD. Furthermore, based on streak line techniques, shear stress (stress loading), exposure times, and volume percentage with critical stress loading have been determined. Comparison of CFD data with pressure head measurements showed excel‐lent agreement. Also, impressive trend conformity was observed between in‐vitro hemolysis results and numerical data. Comparison of design variations yielded clear trends and results. Design C revealed the best hydraulic and hemolytic properties and was chosen as the final design for the mixed‐flow rotary blood pump.