Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of the Flow around the Pivot Bearing of the Centrifugal Ventricular Assist Device

(Effects of Design Variations of the Washout Hole, the Pivot and the Back Gap)

Abstract

Flow mechanisms within a monopivot centrifugal pump were clarified in order to prevent stagnation around the pivot bearing, which may cause thrombogenesis. We focused on the geometric effects of the pump, which included the effects of the washout hole diameter, the pivot friction area and the back gap width of the impeller relative to the washout around the pivot bearing. Flow patterns were carefully examined around the pivot bearing, including the region inside the washout hole and the back gap of the impeller, by computational fluid dynamic analysis. Based on the results from the computational fluid dynamic analyses, we found that a balance relationship between the washout hole diameter and the back gap width of the impeller affected the secondary flow toward the pivot bearing that eliminated the stagnation around the pivot bearing. In addition, while increasing in the pivot friction area eliminated stagnation around the pivot bearing, it also increased hemolysis within the pump.