Computational fluid dynamics simulation of hemolysis at different levels of circulatory support in the left ventricular assist device Sputnik

Abstract

Abstract Designing a ventricular assist device is a complex technological process, and testing a finished product requires a significant investment of money and time. Simulation allows research to conduct research early in the development of a device, thereby reducing time and material costs. In this work, the calculation of hemolysis in the left ventricular assist device Sputnik (Sputnik LVAD) is carried out. Three different levels of circulatory support were chosen. For the first level, the following parameters were selected: blood flow rate of 2 L/min. at a rotor speed of 8000 rpm; for the second - 4 L/min, 8500 rpm; for the third - 6 L/min, 9000 rpm. The distribution of scalar shear stresses and the index of hemolysis were obtained from the pathlines of the particles. When comparing three operating points of LVAD Sputnik, hemolysis indices were obtained using the Lagrangian model. The mean hemolysis indeces were 0.0284%, 0.0210%, 0.0155% for LVAD Sputnik operating at a fixed rate of 2, 4, 6 L/min at a pressure of 100 mm Hg, respectively. The calculation results show that the capacity of 6 L/min is better than 2 and 4 L/min.