The Baylor Total Artificial Heart: Flow Visualization Studies

To analyze the flow patterns of the left blood chamber of the Baylor total artificial heart (TAH) and to evaluate influences of the inflow valve angle to the flow patterns, flow visualization studies were performed. The inflow valve angle of the left housing was changed by 20 degrees orthogonal to the inflow tube, and comparison studies of the modified and unmodified models were made. For evaluating sectional flow patterns, a laser light was used, the clear transparent housing was scanned segmentally, and flow patterns were recorded on high contrast film for measuring flow velocities. A signal was used that synchronized the timing of the camera shutter to the pusher-plate movement signal. With the modified 20 degree inflow valve direction, there were better closing characteristics of the inflow valve leaflets. At the same time, we could successfully reduce the vortex formation at the inflow port, which may cause thrombus formation. We also have improved the washout during the diastolic phase in not only the bottom area, but in the entire pumping chamber. This flow visualization setup is simple and inexpensive. It is useful not only for validation of global flow patterns, but also for validation of local flow velocities of various blood pumps.