Optimization of hemolytic performance of artificial heart pump based on CFD

Abstract

Hemolytic performance is the key performance of artificial heart pumps. To reduce the damage to blood during the operation of artificial heart pumps and improve hemolysis performance, this paper investigates the influence of several key parameters of artificial heart pumps (volute type, inlet guide cone, blade wrap angle, tip clearance) on hemolysis performance. Firstly, a fluid domain model of the artificial heart pump was established, and mesh partitioning and fluid simulation parameter settings were carried out. Secondly, a shear stress model and a hemolysis estimation model were established, providing a model foundation for the study of hemolysis performance. Finally, the influence of several key parameters on the hemolysis performance was studied based on CFD, and the optimal parameter combination was determined, thereby completing the optimization of the hemolysis performance of the artificial heart pump. The results showed that the hemolysis performance of the artificial heart pump was significantly improved under the parameter combination of the single-volute, increased inlet guide cone, blade wrap angle of 90°, and tip clearance of 100 μm. The optimized standard hemolysis index decreased by 94.40 % compared to before optimization. This work can provide technical guidance for the development of artificial heart pumps.

Keywords

• Heart pump
• Hemolytic performance
• Optimization
• CFD