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.

Effects of thrombosed vena cava filters on blood flow: flow visualization and numerical modeling.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with deep vein thrombosis for whom anticoagulation is contraindicated. IVC filters have been shown to be effective in trapping embolized clots and preventing PE; however, among the commercially available designs, the optimal balance of clot capture efficiency, clot dissolution, and prevention of to vena cava occlusion is unknown. Clot capture efficiency has been quantified in numerous in vitro studies, in which model clots are released into a mock circulation system, with the relative capture efficiency of various IVC filters analyzed statistically.

Role of fluid dynamics on the healing of an in vivo tissue engineered vascular graft.

A polyester (PET) reinforced fibrin-FN-VEGF-TGFbeta vascular graft, formed by a four-step preclotting technique of a porous PET arterial graft, shows the overlapping inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling steps of normal wound healing when implanted in the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) position in the dog, forming a surface layer of endothelial cells. While the DTA grafts readily healed (i.e.

Effects of an artery/vascular graft compliance mismatch on protein transport: a numerical study.

Small-diameter vascular graft failure by intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis may result from flow disturbances and disruption of chemical transport in the fluid at the distal anastomosis, because of compliance mismatch between the graft and host artery. In previous studies. lower-than-normal wall shear stress (WSS), particle trapping, and high particle residence times were observed at the distal anastomosis due to a pulsatile tubular expansion effect caused by nonuniform radial deformations.

Improved statistical characterization of prosthetic heart valve hydrodynamics using a performance index and regression analysis.

Background And Aims Of The Study: The ISO 5840 Standard (Cardiovascular implants - Cardiac valves) currently requires a minimum of three test samples per size for hydrodynamic testing. Typically, the only statistical analysis performed is a descriptive analysis, with the mean (+/- SE) given for each size and cardiac output (CO). The study aim was to develop better statistical methods, incorporating regression analysis of a performance index, equal to the effective orifice area divided by the tissue annulus area.