Experimental and computational studies of the relative flow field in a centrifugal blood pump

The relative flow field within the impeller passage of a centrifugal blood pump had been examined using flow visualization technique and computational fluid dynamics. It was found that for a seven-blade radial impeller design , the required now rate and static pressure rise across the pump could be a chieved but the flow field within the blades was highly undesirable. Two vo rtices were observed near the: suction side and these could lead to thrombu s formation. preliminary results presented in this article are part of our overall effort to minimize undesirable flow patterns such flow separation a nd high shear stress regions within the centrifugal blood pump. This will f acilitate the future progress in developing a long-term clinically effectiv e blood pump.