The Use of Fluid Mechanics to Predict Regions of Microscopic Thrombus Formation in Pulsatile VADs.

We compare the velocity and shear obtained from particle image velocimetry (PIV) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in a pulsatile ventricular assist device (VAD) to further test our thrombus predictive methodology using microscopy data from an explanted VAD. To mimic physiological conditions , a mock circulatory loop is used with a blood analog that matched blood's viscoelastic behavior at 40% hematocrit. Under normal physiologic pressures and for a heart rate of 75 bpm, PIV data is acquired and wall shear maps are produced.

Computational fluid dynamics design and analysis of a passively suspended Tesla pump left ventricular assist device.

This article summarizes the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to design a novel suspended Tesla left ventricular assist device. Several design variants were analyzed to study the parameters affecting device performance. CFD was performed at pump speeds of 6500, 6750, and 7000 rpm and at flow rates varying from 3 to 7 liters per minute (LPM).

Multilaboratory particle image velocimetry analysis of the FDA benchmark nozzle model to support validation of computational fluid dynamics simulations.

This study is part of a FDA-sponsored project to evaluate the use and limitations of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in assessing blood flow parameters related to medical device safety. In an interlaboratory study, fluid velocities and pressures were measured in a nozzle model to provide experimental validation for a companion round-robin CFD study. The simple benchmark nozzle model, which mimicked the flow fields in several medical devices, consisted of a gradual flow constriction, a narrow throat region, and a sudden expansion region where a fluid jet exited the center of the nozzle with recirculation zones near the model walls.

Hemodynamics of an end-to-side anastomotic graft for a pulsatile pediatric ventricular assist device.

Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the flow within the end-to-side proximal anastomosis of a pulsatile pediatric ventricular assist device (PVAD) to an aorta. The anastomotic model is constructed from a patient-specific pediatric aorta. The three great vessels originating from the aortic arch--brachiocephalic (innominate), left common carotid, and left subclavian arteries--are included.

Validation of a CFD methodology for positive displacement LVAD analysis using PIV data.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to asses the hydrodynamic performance of a positive displacement left ventricular assist device. The computational model uses implicit large eddy simulation direct resolution of the chamber compression and modeled valve closure to reproduce the in vitro results. The computations are validated through comparisons with experimental particle image velocimetry (PIV) data.

Numerical study of blood flow at the end-to-side anastomosis of a left ventricular assist device for adult patients.

We use an implicit large eddy simulation (ILES) method based on a finite volume approach to capture the turbulence in the anastomoses of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to the aorta. The order-of-accuracy of the numerical schemes is computed using a two-dimensional decaying Taylor-Green vortex. The ILES method is carefully validated by comparing to documented results for a fully developed turbulent channel flow at Re(tau)=395.

Comparative Study of Continuous and Pulsatile Left Ventricular Assist Devices on Hemodynamics of a Pediatric End-to-Side Anastomotic Graft.

Although there are many studies that focus on understanding the consequence of pumping mode (continuous vs. pulsatile) associated with ventricular assist devices (VADs) on pediatric vascular pulsatility, the impact on local hemodynamics has been largely ignored. Hence, we compare not only the hemodynamic parameters indicative of pulsatility but also the local flow fields in the aorta and the great vessels originating from the aortic arch.

The fluid dynamics of canine olfaction: unique nasal airflow patterns as an explanation of macrosmia.

The canine nasal cavity contains hundreds of millions of sensory neurons, located in the olfactory epithelium that lines convoluted nasal turbinates recessed in the rear of the nose. Traditional explanations for canine olfactory acuity, which include large sensory organ size and receptor gene repertoire, overlook the fluid dynamics of odorant transport during sniffing. But odorant transport to the sensory part of the nose is the first critical step in olfaction.

A passively suspended Tesla pump left ventricular assist device.

The design and initial test results of a new passively suspended Tesla type left ventricular assist device blood pump are described. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was used in the design of the pump. Overall size of the prototype device is 50 mm in diameter and 75 mm in length.

Development and verification of a high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics model of canine nasal airflow.

The canine nasal cavity contains a complex airway labyrinth, dedicated to respiratory air conditioning, filtering of inspired contaminants, and olfaction. The small and contorted anatomical structure of the nasal turbinates has, to date, precluded a proper study of nasal airflow in the dog. This study describes the development of a high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the canine nasal airway from a three-dimensional reconstruction of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans of the canine anatomy.

Reconstruction and morphometric analysis of the nasal airway of the dog (Canis familiaris) and implications regarding olfactory airflow.

The canine nasal airway is an impressively complex anatomical structure, having many functional roles. The complicated branching and intricate scrollwork of the nasal conchae provide large surface area for heat, moisture, and odorant transfer. Of the previous anatomical studies of the canine nasal airway, none have included a detailed rendering of the maxilloturbinate and ethmoidal regions of the nose.

Development and validation of a computational fluid dynamics methodology for simulation of pulsatile left ventricular assist devices.

An unsteady computational fluid dynamic methodology was developed so that design analyses could be undertaken for devices such as the 50cc Penn State positive-displacement left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The piston motion observed in vitro was modeled, yielding the physiologic flow waveform observed during pulsatile experiments. Valve closure was modeled numerically by locally increasing fluid viscosity during the closed phase.