Flow visualization for the implantable ventricular assist device EVAHEART®

J Artif Organs. 2013 Mar;16(1):42-8. doi: 10.1007/s10047-012-0667-z. Epub 2012 Oct 18.

Abstract

The hemocompatibility for the recently approved ventricular assist device EVAHEART(®) was examined through flow visualization with a 300 % scale-up model. The absence of flow separations around the centrifugal vanes indicated that the curvature of the open vanes was suitable. The flow in the vane-shaft clearance was found to effectively produce sufficient shear stresses along the stationary shaft surface. The hemocompatibility was verified for a wide range of flow conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Flow Velocity*
  • Equipment Design*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Stress, Mechanical