Will blood-informed design signal the fourth generation of cardiac assist devices?

Mechanical circulatory support devices have profoundly transformed the management of severe cardiothoracic disorders. While heart transplantation is the gold standard therapy for end-stage heart disease, long-term mechanical support devices are a viable alternative for those ineligible and/or those awaiting organ availability. Major technological advancements were made over first 5 decades of development, resulting in improved durability and survival with reduced adverse events.

Turbulence and turbulent flow structures in a ventricular assist device-A numerical study using the large-eddy simulation.

Numerical flow simulations that analyze the turbulent flow characteristics within a turbopump are important for optimizing the efficiency of such machines. In the case of ventricular assist devices (VADs), turbulent flow characteristics must be also examined in order to improve hemocompatibility. Turbulence increases the shear stresses in the VAD flow, which can lead to an increased damage to the transported blood components.