A Numerical Study on Mechanical Performance and Hemolysis for Different Types of Centrifugal Blood Pumps

Abstract

Centrifugal blood pumps have to be considered from both mechanical and biomechanical aspects. While, evaluations of mechanical factors, such as performance curve, are straightforward, biomechanical parameters, such as hemolysis indices, are still indistinct. Hence, different mathematical models and computational methods have been employed for the evaluation of hemolysis indices. This article aims to investigate four different types of centrifugal blood pumps from both mechanical and biomechanical aspects. The pumps are cone-type impeller (Type-A), channel-type impeller with shroud (Type-B), open impeller without shroud (Type-C) and shrouded impeller-type (Type-D). The CFD simulations are conducted using standard k-ε turbulence model in multiple reference frame (MRF) method. Various values for rotational speed and flow rate are studied. The streamlines clearly show the effects of impeller geometry on flow patterns. It is also demonstrated that in all of the models, the areas of the recirculation have high value of von Mises stress. In addition, the effect of the volute in the Type-D on the pressure distribution and streamline smoothness is clearly observed. In another part, the modified index of hemolysis (MIH) calculated based on Eulerian approach is investigated for three predefined conditions of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), ventricular assist device (VAD), and full-load. The results reveal that the Type-A and Type-D have the highest and lowest MIH values, respectively in all of the predefined conditions. In addition, all of the pumps generate lower amount of hemolysis when they are operated in VAD condition.