Investigation of fluid dynamics within a miniature mixed flow blood pump

An oil dot flow visualization method was utilized in conjunction with a traditional light sheet particle tracer method to investigate internal flow dynamics of a miniature mixed-flow blood pump. The effects of the operating condition and impeller design on the internal fluid dynamics and hydrodynamic performance were studied. The oil dot method enabled analysis of separated and disturbed flow within the highly wrapped rotating-blade passages – previously imperceptible with light sheet methods. The blade wrap was found to be critical to providing a favorable fluid dynamics for blood pumping over a range of off-design conditions. The low flow operating conditions were found to have a detrimental effect on blood flow.