This paper presents a unique quantitative study of the velocity field within an entire rotary pump. Previously, no knowledge of lie fluid behavior within the LVAD or similar devices during the usual, off-design, operating condition has been presented. Further, only limited quantitative data regarding the details of the mean and turbulent flow field internal to these devices exists even at the nominal, on-design, point. This study presents a first of its kind and comprehensive investigation of the flow field internal to a centrifugal LVAD at both design and off-design conditions. The work lends critical insight into the local fluid dynamics within an operating pump and their relation to pump performance and blood damage. Further, the measurements have been invaluable in guiding the validation and refinement of numerical (CFD) models of the pump.
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