Experimental Fluid Dynamics of Transventricular Apical Aortic Cannulation

To clarify the flow pattern from a transventricular apical aortic cannula, hydrodynamic analysis of transventricular apical aortic cannulation (apical cannulation) was performed using particle‐image velocimetry in a glass aortic model. Simulated apical cannulation using a 7‐mm Sarns Soft‐Flow cannula and the newly developed 7‐mm apical aortic cannula was compared with standard aortic cannulation. The flow‐velocity, streamline, and distribution of magnitude of the strain rate tensor (function of shear stress) were analyzed. Streamline analysis revealed a steady and organized flow profile in apical cannulation as compared with that in standard aortic cannulation. The magnitude of the strain rate tensor decreased within a few centimeters from the exit of the apical cannula.