Blood Analog Fluid Research Articles

Three-dimensional vortical structures and wall shear stress in a curved artery model

We numerically investigate spatial and temporal evolution of multiple three-dimensional vortex pairs in a curved artery model under a fully developed pulsatile inflow of a Newtonian blood-analog fluid. We discuss the connection along the axial direction between regions of organized vorticity observed at various cross sections of the model, extending previous two-dimensional analysis. We model a human artery with a simple, rigid 180° curved pipe with circular cross section and constant curvature, neglecting effects of taper, torsion, and elasticity. Numerical results are computed from a discontinuous high-order spectral element flow solver using the flux reconstruction scheme and compared to experimental results obtained using particle image velocimetry. The flow rate used in both the simulation and the experiment is physiological. Vortical structures resulting from secondary flow are observed in various cross sections of the curved pipe, in particular, during the deceleration phase of the physiological waveform. We provide side-by-side comparisons of the numerical and experimental velocity and vorticity fields during acceleration and deceleration, the latter during which multiple vortical structures of both Dean-type and Lyne-type coexist. Correlations and quantitative comparisons of the data at these cross sections are computed along with trajectories of Dean-type vortices. Comparing cross-sectional flow fields and vortices provides a means to validate wall shear stress values computed from these numerical simulations, since the evolution of interior flow structures is heavily dependent upon geometry curvature and inflow and boundary conditions.

Flexible PDMS microparticles to mimic RBCs in blood particulate analogue fluids

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications due to its mechanical and rheological properties in a range similar to the living tissues. In this study, we demonstrate that PDMS can be used to produce deformable microparticles to be integrated in the development of particulate blood analogue fluids. The difficulties associated with the use of in vitro blood make it necessary to perform in vitro experiments of blood flow with blood analogue fluids. However, an ideal analogue must match the rheology of blood at several points, and for that, blood analogue fluids should be a suspension of microparticles with similar properties (size, shape and flexibility) to blood cells, in particular to the red blood cells (RBCs). The microparticles used in this study were produced from a transparent PDMS with crosslinking ratios of 10:1, 8:2 and 6:4; from a black PDMS with a ratio of 1:1 and from a red-pigmented PDMS. Each PDMS microparticles sample was suspended in Dextran 40 to perform deformability assays and cell-free layer analysis in a hyperbolic-shaped microchannel and steady shear viscosity measurements in a rheometer. The proposed microparticles suspensions show a great potential to mimic the structural and rheological properties of RBC suspensions and consequently to develop blood analogue fluids with rheological properties similar to real blood.

Biomimetic pulsatile flows through flexible microfluidic conduits.

We bring out unique aspects of the pulsatile flow of a blood analog fluid (Xanthan gum solution) in a biomimetic microfluidic channel. Pressure waveforms that mimic biologically consistent pulsations are applied on physiologically relevant cylindrical microchannels fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane. The in vivo features of the relevant waveforms like peak amplitude and dicrotic notch are reproduced in vitro. The deformation profiles exhibit viscoelastic behavior toward the end of each cycle. Further, the time-varying velocity profiles are critically analyzed. The local hydrodynamics within the microchannel is found to be more significantly affected by pressure waveform rather than the actual wall deformation and the velocity profile. These results are likely to bear far-reaching implications for assessing micro-circulatory dynamics in lab on a chip based microfluidic platforms that to a large extent replicate physiologically relevant conditions.

Microfluidic Deformability Study of an Innovative Blood Analogue Fluid Based on Giant Unilamellar Vesicles.

Blood analogues have long been a topic of interest in biofluid mechanics due to the safety and ethical issues involved in the collection and handling of blood samples. Although the current blood analogue fluids can adequately mimic the rheological properties of blood from a macroscopic point of view, at the microscopic level blood analogues need further development and improvement. In this work, an innovative blood analogue containing giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) was developed to mimic the flow behavior of red blood cells (RBCs). A natural lipid mixture, soybean lecithin, was used for the GUVs preparation, and three different lipid concentrations were tested (1 × 10−3 M, 2 × 10−3 M and 4 × 10−3 M). GUV solutions were prepared by thin film hydration with a buffer, followed by extrusion. It was found that GUVs present diameters between 5 and 7 µm which are close to the size of human RBCs. Experimental flow studies of three different GUV solutions were performed in a hyperbolic-shaped microchannel in order to measure the GUVs deformability when subjected to a homogeneous extensional flow. The result of the deformation index (DI) of the GUVs was about 0.5, which is in good agreement with the human RBC’s DI. Hence, the GUVs developed in this study are a promising way to mimic the mechanical properties of the RBCs and to further develop particulate blood analogues with flow properties closer to those of real blood.

In Vitro Characterization of the Pittsburgh Pediatric Ambulatory Lung.

Acute and chronic respiratory failure are a significant source of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Current respiratory support options used to bridge children to lung recovery or transplantation typically render them bedridden and can worsen long-term patient outcomes. The Pittsburgh Pediatric Ambulatory Lung (P-PAL) is a wearable pediatric blood pump and oxygenator (0.3 m surface area) integrated into a single compact unit that enables patient ambulation. The P-PAL is intended for long-term use and designed to provide up to 90% of respiratory support in children weighing 5-25 kg. Computational fluid dynamics and numerical gas exchange modeling were used to design the P-PAL and predict its performance. A P-PAL prototype was then used to obtain pressure versus flow curves at various impeller rotation rates using a blood analog fluid. In vitro oxygen exchange rates were obtained in blood in accordance with ISO standard 7199. The normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) was measured over a 6 hour period at blood flow rates of 1 and 2.5 L/min. The P-PAL provided blood flows of 1-2.5 L/min against the pressure drop associated with its intended-use pediatric cannulas. The oxygen exchange rate reached a maximum of 108 ml/min at a blood flow rate of 2.5 L/min and met our respiratory support design target. Device-induced hemolysis was low with NIH values of 0.022-0.027 g/100 L in the intended blood flow rate range. In conclusion, the current P-PAL design met our pumping, oxygenation, and hemolysis specifications and has the potential to improve treatment for pediatric respiratory failure.

Inter-Laboratory Characterization of the Velocity Field in the FDA Blood Pump Model Using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV).

A credible computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model can play a meaningful role in evaluating the safety and performance of medical devices. A key step towards establishing model credibility is to first validate CFD models with benchmark experimental datasets to minimize model-form errors before applying the credibility assessment process to more complex medical devices. However, validation studies to establish benchmark datasets can be cost prohibitive and difficult to perform. The goal of this initiative sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is to generate validation data for a simplified centrifugal pump that mimics blood flow characteristics commonly observed in ventricular assist devices. The centrifugal blood pump model was made from clear acrylic and included an impeller, with four equally spaced, straight blades, supported by mechanical bearings. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements were performed at several locations throughout the pump by three independent laboratories. A standard protocol was developed for the experiments to ensure that the flow conditions were comparable and to minimize systematic errors during PIV image acquisition and processing. Velocity fields were extracted at the pump entrance, blade passage area, back gap region, and at the outlet diffuser regions. A Newtonian blood analog fluid composed of sodium iodide, glycerin, and water was used as the working fluid. Velocity measurements were made for six different pump flow conditions, with the blood-equivalent flow rate ranging between 2.5 and 7 L/min for pump speeds of 2500 and 3500rpm. Mean intra- and inter-laboratory variabilities in velocity were ~ 10% at the majority of the measurement locations inside the pump. However, the inter-laboratory variability increased to more than ~ 30% in the exit diffuser region. The variability between the three laboratories for the peak velocity magnitude in the diffuser region ranged from 5 to 25%. The bulk velocity field near the impeller changed proportionally with the rotational speed but was relatively unaffected by the pump flow rate. In contrast, flow in the exit diffuser region was sensitive to both the flow rate and the rotational speed. Specifically, at 3500rpm, the exit jet tilted toward the inner wall of the diffuser at a flow rate of 2.5 L/min, but the jet tilted towards the outer wall when the flow rate was 7 L/min. Inter-laboratory experimental mean velocity data (and the corresponding variance) were obtained for the FDA pump model and are available for download at https://nciphub.org/wiki/FDA_CFD . Experimental datasets from the inter-laboratory characterization of benchmark flow models, including the blood pump model presented herein and our previous nozzle model, can be used for validating future CFD studies and to collaboratively develop guidelines on best practices for verification, validation, uncertainty quantification, and credibility assessment of CFD simulations in the evaluation of medical devices (e.g. ASME V&V 40 standards working group).

Flow-induced deformation in a microchannel with a non-Newtonian fluid.

In this work, we have fabricated physiologically relevant polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic phantoms to investigate the fluid-structure interaction that arises from the interaction between a non-Newtonian fluid and the deformable wall. A shear thinning fluid (Xanthan gum solution) is used as the blood analog fluid. We have systematically analyzed the steady flow characteristics of the microfluidic phantom using pressure drop, deformation, and flow visualization using micro-PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) to identify the intricate aspects of the pressure as well as the velocity field. A simple mathematical formulation is introduced to evaluate the flow induced deformation. These results will aid in the design and development of deformable microfluidic systems and provide a deeper understanding of the fluid-structure interaction in microchannels with special emphasis on biomimetic in-vitro models for lab-on-a-chip applications.

Left heart simulator for evaluation of prosthetic heart valves: behavior of tricuspid bioprosthetic mitral valves during diastole

Abstract The purpose of this work was to know the characteristics of tricuspid bioprosthetic mitral valves in terms of velocity fields and valve aperture areas for some instants concerning the diastole. A left heart simulator was used as an in vitro platform for the bioprostheses. A particle image velocimetry (PIV) system was applied for characterizing instantaneous 2D-velocity fields within the left ventricular model (LVM), and also for detection of mitral bioprostheses aperture areas. The ventricular states were established for 60, 70 and 90 bpm (beats per minute) and a blood analog fluid based on glycerol was employed at 36.5±0.5oC. Two mitral bioprostheses (nominal diameter of 27 and 31 mm) and an aortic bileaflet mechanical valve (27 mm diameter) were used. Instantaneous two-dimensional velocity fields at the upper part of the LVM, for two sections (in the middle of the LVM, and also in a section at 7 mm of distance from that) were obtained. Averaged velocity vector maps (N = 50) were calculated for some instants of interest. According to different heart rates, bioprostheses and sections within the LVM, the velocity fields were presented, as well the bioprostheses aperture areas. In conclusion, the experimental scope including different ventricular states showed how the inflow characteristics of the LVM change according to the chosen variables. This information will aid the validation of a numeric model for the LVM operation, which has been elaborated (some specific methods are presented in the Appendix).

Mathematical Modeling of Rotary Blood Pumps in a Pulsatile In Vitro Flow Environment.

Nowadays, sacrificing animals to develop medical devices and receive regulatory approval has become more common, which increases ethical concerns. Although in vivo tests are necessary for development and evaluation of new devices, nonetheless, with appropriate in vitro setups and mathematical models, a part of the validation process can be performed using these models to reduce the number of sacrificed animals. The main aim of this study is to present a mathematical model simulating the hydrodynamic function of a rotary blood pump (RBP) in a pulsatile in vitro flow environment. This model relates the pressure head of the RBP to the flow rate, rotational speed, and time derivatives of flow rate and rotational speed. To identify the model parameters, an in vitro setup was constructed consisting of a piston pump, a compliance chamber, a throttle, a buffer reservoir, and the CentriMag RBP. A 40% glycerin-water mixture as a blood analog fluid and deionized water were used in the hydraulic circuit to investigate the effect of viscosity and density of the working fluid on the model parameters. First, model variables were physically measured and digitally acquired. Second, an identification algorithm based on regression analysis was used to derive the model parameters. Third, the completed model was validated with a totally different set of in vitro data. The model is usable for both mathematical simulations of the interaction between the pump and heart and indirect pressure measurement in a clinical context.

Pulsatile flow in a compliant stenosed asymmetric model

Time-varying velocity field in an asymmetric constricted tube is experimentally studied using a two-dimensional particle image velocimetry system. The geometry resembles a vascular disease which is characterized by arterial narrowing due to plaque deposition. The present study compares the nature of flow patterns in rigid and compliant asymmetric constricted tubes for a range of dimensionless parameters appearing in a human artery. A blood analogue fluid is employed along with a pump that mimics cardioflow conditions. The peak Reynolds number range is Re ~ 300–800, while the Womersley number range considered in experiments is Wo ~ 6–8. These values are based on the peak velocity in a straight rigid tube connected to the model, over a pulsation frequency range of 1.2–2.4 Hz. The medial-plane velocity distribution is used to investigate the nature of flow patterns. Temporal distribution of stream traces and hemodynamic factors including WSS, TAWSS and OSI at important phases of the pulsation cycle are discussed. The flow patterns obtained from PIV are compared to a limited extent against numerical simulation. Results show that the region downstream of the constriction is characterized by a high-velocity jet at the throat, while a recirculation zone, attached to the wall, evolves in time. Compliant models reveal large flow disturbances upstream during the retrograde flow. Wall shear stress values are lower in a compliant model as compared to the rigid. Cross-plane flow structures normal to the main flow direction are visible at select phases of the cycle. Positive values of largest Lyapunov exponent are realized for wall movement and are indicative of chaotic motion transferred from the flow to the wall. These exponents increase with Reynolds number as well as compliance. Period doubling is observed in wall displacement of highly compliant models, indicating possible triggering of hemodynamic events in a real artery that may cause fissure in the plaque deposits.

Long-term durability test of axial-flow ventricular assist device under pulsatile flow.

A long-term durability test was conducted on a newly developed axial-flow ventricular assist device (VAD) with hydrodynamic bearings. The mock circulatory loop consisted of a diaphragm pump with a mechanical heart valve, a reservoir, a compliance tank, a resistance valve, and flow paths made of polymer or titanium. The VAD was installed behind the diaphragm pump. The blood analog fluid was a saline solution with added glycerin at a temperature of 37°C. A pulsatile flow was introduced into the VAD over a range of flow rates to realize a positive flow rate and a positive pressure head at a given impeller rotational speed, yielding a flow rate of 5L/min and a pressure of 100mmHg. Pulsatile flow conditions were achieved with the diastolic and systolic flow rates of ~0 and 9.5L/min, respectively, and an average flow rate of ~5L/min at a pulse rate of 72bpm. The VAD operation was judged by not only the rotational speed of the impeller, but also the diastolic, systolic, and average flow rates and the average pressure head of the VAD. The conditions of the mock circulatory loop, including the pulse rate of the diaphragm pump, the fluid temperature, and the fluid viscosity were maintained. Eight VADs were tested with testing periods of 2years, during which they were continuously in operation. The VAD performance factors, including the power consumption and the vibration characteristics, were kept almost constant. The long-term durability of the developed VAD was successfully demonstrated.

3D analysis of vortical structures in an abdominal aortic aneurysm by stereoscopic PIV

The present work presents an experimental in vitro three-dimensional analysis of the flow dynamics in an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) through stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) measurements. The experimental set-up mimics the pathophysiological context involving a shear thinning blood analogue fluid, compliant AAA and aorto-iliac bifurcation walls and controlled inlet and outlet flow rate and pressure waveforms as well as working fluid temperature. SPIV was carefully calibrated and conducted to assess the three velocity components in the AAA volume. For the first time in the literature, the 3D vortex ring genesis, propagation, and vanishing in the AAA bulge are experimentally described and quantified. In comparison with classical 2-component PIV measurements (2C PIV), the third component of the velocity vector was shown to be of importance in such a geometry, especially, during the deceleration phase of the flow rate. The 3D velocity magnitude reached up more than 20 % of the 2D one showing that 2C PIV are definitively not accurate enough to provide a complete description of flow behaviour in an AAA. In addition to potential clinical implications of a full 3D vortex ring description in AAA evolution, the 3D in vitro experimental quantification of the flow dynamics carried out in the present study offers an interesting tool for the validation of fluid–structure interaction numerical studies dealing with AAA.

Evolution of vortical structures in a curved artery model with non-Newtonian blood-analog fluid under pulsatile inflow conditions

Steady flow and physiological pulsatile flow in a rigid 180° curved tube are investigated using particle image velocimetry. A non-Newtonian blood-analog fluid is used, and in-plane primary and secondary velocity fields are measured. A vortex detection scheme (d 2-method) is applied to distinguish vortical structures. In the pulsatile flow case, four different vortex types are observed in secondary flow: deformed-Dean, Dean, Wall and Lyne vortices. Investigation of secondary flow in multiple cross sections suggests the existence of vortex tubes. These structures split and merge over time during the deceleration phase and in space as flow progresses along the 180° curved tube. The primary velocity data for steady flow conditions reveal additional vortices rotating in a direction opposite to Dean vortices—similar to structures observed in pulsatile flow—if the Dean number is sufficiently high.

On the rheology of refractive-index-matched, non-Newtonian blood-analog fluids for PIV experiments

Four commonly used refractive-index (RI)-matched Newtonian blood-analog fluids are reviewed, and different non-Newtonian blood-analogs, with RI of 1.372–1.495, are investigated. Sodium iodide (NaI), sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) and potassium thiocyanate are used to adjust the RI of blood-analogs to that of test sections for minimizing optical distortions in particle image velocimetry data, and xanthan gum (XG) is added to the fluids to give them non-Newtonian properties (shear thinning and viscoelasticity). Our results support the general belief that adding NaI to Newtonian fluids matches the RI without changing the kinematic viscosity. However, in contrast to claims made in a few studies that did not measure rheology, our investigation revealed that adding NaI or NaSCN to XG-based non-Newtonian fluids changes the viscosity of the fluids considerably and reduces the shear-thinning property. Therefore, the RI of non-Newtonian blood-analog fluids with XG cannot be adjusted easily by varying the concentration of NaI or NaSCN and needs more careful rheological study.

μ-PIV기법을 이용한 동정맥루 모사혈관에서의 모사 혈액의 점도특성에 따른 혈류역학적 분석

Radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistula(RC-AVF) is the most recommended operation of achieving access for hemodialysis. However, it has high rates of early failure depending on the many haemodynamic conditions. To increase RC-AVF patency rate, many researches were performed by in-vitro experiment via artificial vessel and blood analogue fluid, and there were conflicting opinions about whether the non-Newtonian properties of blood have an influence on the flow in large arteries. To investigate the influence of viscoelasticity of blood within the RC-AVF, we fabricated three dimensional artificial RC-AVF and two kinds of blood analogue fluid. The velocity field of two fluids within the vessel were measured by micro-particle velocimetry(m-PIV) and compared with each other. The velocity profiles of both fluids for systolic phase were matched well while those for diastolic phase did not correspond. Therefore, it is desired to use non-newtonian fluid for in-vitro experiment of RC-AVF.

Visualization of PDMS Microparticles Formation for Biomimetic Fluids

In vitro experiments of blood flow are usually performed with blood analogue fluids due to ethical and practical considerations. The ideal analogue must match the rheology of blood in multiple scales. Ideally, the blood analogue fluid should be a suspension of transparent particles with similar properties to red blood cells. PDMS particles are an interesting candidate because they are transparent, have a low refractive index and can be produced through polymerization by heating. Here we present a study to produce PDMS microparticles, to be used in biomimetic fluids, by droplet microfluidics. A microfluidic flow focusing device was employed to produce the droplets. A polymeric fluid (PDMS) was squeezed by two counter-flowing water streams (with 2% of SDS). The flow rate of the disperse phase (Qdis) was 1 µl min-1 and that of the continuous phase (Qcont) 5 µl min-1. Both liquids were forced to flow through a narrow slit (25 µm x 100 µm) located downstream the channels where PDMS stream breaks into droplets. In these conditions, the device operated in the jetting regime, forming polydispersed droplets. Monodispersed microparticles were also obtained in the dripping regime. The droplets were then cured thermally to form microparticles. The process of droplet formation was filmed with a high-speed camera and the movies were analyzed to relate the flow pattern to particle size distribution. Keywords: Biomimetic fluids, blood analogues, droplet microfluidics, microfluidics, microparticles, PDMS.

Experimental Validation of a Cardiac Simulator for in vitro Evaluation of Prosthetic Heart Valves.

ObjectiveThis work describes the experimental validation of a cardiac simulator for three heart rates (60, 80 and 100 beats per minute), under physiological conditions, as a suitable environment for prosthetic heart valves testing in the mitral or aortic position.MethodsIn the experiment, an aortic bileaflet mechanical valve and a mitral bioprosthesis were employed in the left ventricular model. A test fluid of 47.6% by volume of glycerin solution in water at 36.5ºC was used as blood analogue fluid. A supervisory control and data acquisition system implemented previously in LabVIEW was applied to induce the ventricular operation and to acquire the ventricular signals. The parameters of the left ventricular model operation were based on in vivo and in vitro data. The waves of ventricular and systemic pressures, aortic flow, stroke volume, among others, were acquired while manual adjustments in the arterial impedance model were also established.ResultsThe acquired waves showed good results concerning some in vivo data and requirements from the ISO 5840 standard.ConclusionThe experimental validation was performed, allowing, in future studies, characterizing the hydrodynamic performance of prosthetic heart valves.

Complex flow dynamics around 3D microbot prototypes.

A new experimental setup for the study of the complex flow dynamics around 3D microbot prototypes in a straight microchannel has been developed and assessed. The ultimate aim of this work is focused on the analysis of the morphology of different microbot prototypes to get a better insight into their efficiency when they swim through the main conduits of the human circulatory system. The setup consists of a fused silica straight microchannel with a 3D microbot prototype fastened in the center of the channel cross-section by an extremely thin support. Four different prototypes were considered: a cube, a sphere and two ellipsoids with aspect ratios of 1 : 2 and 1 : 4, respectively. Flow visualization and micro-particle image velocimetry (μPIV) measurements were performed using Newtonian and viscoelastic blood analogue fluids. An efficiency parameter, ℑ, to discriminate the prototypes in terms of flow disturbance has been proposed.

Effect of non-Newtonian viscosity on the fluid-dynamic characteristics in stenotic vessels

Although blood is known to have shear-thinning and viscoelastic properties, the effects of such properties on the hemodynamic characteristics in various vascular environments are not fully understood yet. For a quantitative hemodynamic analysis, the refractive index of a transparent blood analogue needs to be matched with that of the flowing conduit in order to minimize the errors according to the distortion of the light. In this study, three refractive index-matched blood analogue fluids with different viscosities are prepared—one Newtonian and two non-Newtonian analogues—which correspond to healthy blood with 45 % hematocrit (i.e., normal non-Newtonian) and obese blood with higher viscosity (i.e., abnormal non-Newtonian). The effects of the non-Newtonian rheological properties of the blood analogues on the hemodynamic characteristics in the post-stenosis region of an axisymmetric stenosis model are experimentally investigated using particle image velocimetry velocity field measurement technique and pathline flow visualization. As a result, the centerline jet flow from the stenosis apex is suppressed by the shear-thinning feature of the blood analogues when the Reynolds number is smaller than 500. The lengths of the recirculation zone for abnormal and normal non-Newtonian blood analogues are 3.67 and 1.72 times shorter than that for the Newtonian analogue at Reynolds numbers smaller than 200. The Reynolds number of the transition from laminar to turbulent flow for all blood analogues increases as the shear-thinning feature increases, and the maximum wall shear stresses in non-Newtonian fluids are five times greater than those in Newtonian fluids. However, the shear-thinning effect on the hemodynamic characteristics is not significant at Reynolds numbers higher than 1000. The findings of this study on refractive index-matched non-Newtonian blood analogues can be utilized in other in vitro experiments, where non-Newtonian features dominantly affect the flow characteristics.

Non-Newtonian perspectives on pulsatile blood-analog flows in a 180° curved artery model

Complex, unsteady fluid flow phenomena in the arteries arise due to the pulsations of the heart that intermittently pumps the blood to the extremities of the body. The many different flow waveform variations observed throughout the arterial network are a result of this process and a function of the vessel properties. Large scale secondary flow structures are generated throughout the aortic arch and larger branches of the arteries. An experimental 180° curved artery test section with physiological inflow conditions was used to validate the computational methods implemented in this study. Good agreement of the secondary flow structures is obtained between experimental and numerical studies of a Newtonian blood-analog fluid under steady-state and pulsatile, carotid artery flow rate waveforms. Multiple vortical structures, some of opposite rotational sense to Dean vortices, similar to Lyne-type vortices, were observed to form during the systolic portion of the pulse. Computational tools were used to assess the effect of blood-analog fluid rheology (i.e., Newtonian versus non-Newtonian). It is demonstrated that non-Newtonian, blood-analog fluid rheology results in shear layer instabilities that alter the formation of vortical structures during the systolic deceleration and onwards during diastole. Additional vortices not observed in the Newtonian cases appear at the inside and outside of the bend at various times during the pulsation. The influence of blood-analog shear-thinning viscosity decreases mean pressure losses in contrast to the Newtonian blood analog fluid.