Application of CAD/CFD/RP-technologies for development of LVAD systems

Abstract

The important problem of new Left Ventricle Assist Device (LVAD) systems development is to determine their hemodynamic and functional characteristics and reduce the design time. An effective method for achieving this is the use of approaches based on the application of CAD/CFD/PR-technologies. Methods of computer modelling were applied to determine the geometrical parameters of the blood pump, and methods of finite element analysis were used for the optimization of hemodynamic parameters of the LVAD system. The geometrical modelling was carried out in the Pro/Engineer WF5. The CAE-system Ansys was used to analyze the blood flow in the chamber of the pump. The motion of the flexible walls was simulated by normal flow through rigid walls. At the final stage some models were prepared for prototyping. The critical parameters of hemodynamic gave the possibility to optimize the shape of the blood pump. The LVAD system and its components were made using various RP-technologies. The hydraulic tests for the performance investigation and the analysis of implantability for implantable systems were carried out for manufactured prototypes of LVAD systems. The manufactured components of the LVAD system are completely operability and give the possibility to estimate the critical hemodynamic and functional parameters of the LVAD system.