Development of a centrifugal flow left ventricular assist device through hydrodynamic simulation and in vitro experimentation

Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have proven to be the best alternative treatment to address the increasing number of heart failures, while donors are in short supply. However, ventricular assist devices (VADs) have been linked to thrombosis, hemolysis, and other postoperative complications. Despite significant technological advancements, blood damage caused by high shear stress generation has remained a serious concern, which is greatly attributed to the VAD's geometry. The goal of this research is to develop a centrifugal pump design using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental evaluation. Based on characteristics such as pressure head generation, flow rate, maximum wall shear stress, and hydraulic efficiency, the simulations produce a pump design suitable for mechanical circulatory support. The subsequent experimental testing for pressure head and flow rates validate the CFD outcomes. Further, the pump is installed in an indigenously designed mock circulation loop to examine its capability as an LVAD. The outcomes of CFD and experimental studies reveal that the developed pump is well capable of delivering blood with a flow rate at the required pressure as per desired physiological requirements. Also, the wall shear stress values are within the limit (< 300 N/m²) to avoid any blood damage.