Classification of Unsteady Flow Patterns in a Rotodynamic Blood Pump: Introduction of Non-Dimensional Regime Map

Rotodynamic blood pumps (also known as rotary or continuous flow blood pumps) are commonly evaluated in vitro under steady flow conditions. However, when these devices are used clinically as ventricular assist devices (VADs), the flow is pulsatile due to the contribution of the native heart. ... Flow Loop The pump prototype was dynamically tested using a cardiovascular simulator circuit (modified from Vivitro Systems Inc., Victoria, British Columbia) built around a silicone mock left ventricle (LV) encased in a rigid acrylic chamber ...