Centrifugal blood pump for temporary ventricular assist deviceswith low priming and ceramic bearings

ABSTRACT

A new model of centrifugal blood pump for temporaryventricular assist devices has been developed andevaluated. The design of the device is based on centrifugalpumping principles and the usage of ceramic bearings,resulting in a pump with reduced priming (35 ± 2 mL) thatcan be applied for up to 30 days. Computational fluiddynamic (CFD) analysis is an efficient tool to optimizeflow path geometry, maximize hydraulic performance, andminimize shear stress, consequently decreasing hemolysis.Initial studies were conducted by analyzing flow behaviorwith different impellers, aiming to determine the bestimpeller design.After CFD studies, rapid prototyping technologywas used for production of pump prototypes withthree different impellers. In vitro experiments were performedwith those prototypes, using a mock loop systemcomposed of Tygon tubes, oxygenator, digital flow meter,pressure monitor, electronic driver, and adjustable clampfor flow control, filled with a solution (1/3 water, 1/3 glycerin,1/3 alcohol) simulating blood viscosity and density.Flow-versus-pressure curves were obtained for rotationalspeeds of 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 rpm.As the nextstep, the CFD analysis and hydrodynamic performanceresults will be compared with the results of flow visualizationstudies and hemolysis tests.