Issn Print: 1058-2916
Publication Date: 2003/03/01
DOWNSTREAM FLOW DISTURBANCES IN AN OUTLET CANNULA OF A ROTARY VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE
G E Miller; K B Manning
+ Author Information
Author Information: Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
Excerpt
Rotary ventricular assist devices (VADs) are primarily used during surgical recovery and bridge-to-transplant. Issues involving the use of rotary VADs include the behavior of flow emanating from the device, which might induce flow irregularities leading to an adverse host response with a potential outcome of a stroke or cerebrovascular accident. An in vitro flow visualization study using particle image velocimetry was conducted to evaluate flow fields in outlet cannulae with bend angles ranging from 30° to 75°. Flow fields downstream of the bend demonstrated the development of flow disturbances including stagnant or recirculation zones, boundary layer instability, and oscillatory flow. As a result, the outlet flow fields of rotary VADs have the potential for thrombosis or hemolysis with severity linked to increasing cannula angle as well as flow rate. Therefore, placement of the outlet cannula or conduit should be monitored during implantation.
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