Simulation of blood flow in a ventricular assist device with fluid-structure interaction effects

Abstract

Numerical simulations combining solid and fluid models and fluid-structure interaction effects were performed for a diaphragm-type ventricular assist device (VAD). These simulations include an open loop configuration, in which the VAD inlet and outlet tubes are open to the surroundings, and a closed loop configuration, in which the VAD is connected to an idealized model of the circulatory system. Comparisons have been made between the open loop case and previous experimental and numerical results for a similar VAD designed by a group at Brunel University. Differences between the two models can be partially accounted for by differences in flow forcing. Even with these differences, this comparison validates this method as a tool for the design and optimization of VADs. For the closed loop case, results were limited by the required use of a slightly compressible fluid model. Further relaxation of this requirement is needed to fully explore closed loop simulations.