Relationship between water hammer phenomenon and drive condition of the blood pumps

Abstract

Effects of artificial heart drive conditions on water hammer phenomenon that usually occurrs at the vicinity of the artificial valves were studied using three types of Mock Circulatory System which simulate the in vivo situations of TAH, LVAD, pulsatile ECC. Results showed: 1) The peak pressure gradient across the valves (PPG) was found to be largest when the pump was operated at its full stroke; it decreased with reduction in pump stroke. 2) The occurrence of valve fracture showed strong correlation with the level of PPG across the valve. 3) Since the level of water hammer depends on the valve type, selection of valves used in artificial heart studies is a key to reduction in the valve fracture.