Flow visualization study-centrifugal blood pump for total artificial heart

A scaled up model of a centrifugal blood pump was used to visualize the flow through the vanes. By using a high speed video camera it was possible to clarify the flow patterns. The study aimed to show the absolute and relative flow patterns and also to compare blood pump models with and without washout holes. It was found that washout holes did not significantly change the flow patterns through the vanes. As washout holes decrease the stagnating area in the shroud side and decrease the fluid dynamic lifting force, their use is suggested in future blood pumps.