Design Optimization and Performance Studies of an Adult Scale Viscous Impeller Pump for Powered Fontan in an Idealized Total Cavopulmonary Connection

摘要

Numerical and experimental studies are carried out to assess the hydraulic and hemodynamic performance and the biocompatibility of a viscous impeller pump (VIP) for cavopulmonary assist in patients with a univentricular Fontan circulation. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions of impeller performance are shown to be in very good agreement with measured pressure-flow data obtained in a Fontan mock-circulation system. Additional CFD and experimental design studies intending to balance pump performance and biocompatibility with the manufacturability limitations of a percutaneous expandable impeller are also reported. The numerical models and experimental studies confirm excellent performance of the VIP with augmentation of Fontan pressure up to 35 mmHg for flow rates up to 4.5 L/min and operational speeds no higher than 5000 RPM. Scalar stress predictions on the VIP surface and laboratory hemolysis measurements both demonstrate very low hemolysis potential. The impeller designs reported offer ideal performance and can meet manufacturing tolerances of a flexible, catheter-based percutaneous expandable rotary pump.