Hemodynamic design optimization of a ventricular cannula applying Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Abstract

Nowadays, a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) is a hope of clinic solution to patients with heart failure. This study presents the design of the "trumpet mouth" ventricular cannula (TMVC) connected to a pediatric VAD, optimized to reduce the conditions that generate blood damage. The flow through the TMVC is analysed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. The optimization of the TMVC considered the turbulent and byphasic nature of the flow at the systolic and diastolic phases of the cardiac cycle.