Numerical modeling of the haemodynamics of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) prototype

One of the main concerns when designing Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) is ensuring minimisation of thrombosis potential. In fact thrombus formation and resulting thromboembolism, which depend on the haemocompatibility of contact surfaces and fluid dynamics of the blood flow, are major risks associated to the use of LVADs as a long-term or permanent implantation. In the present study an existing LVAD prototype is numerically modeled with the aim to investigate the fluid motion field during the whole cardiac cycle of ejection and filling. 3D predictive numerical results are discussed against available experimental results.