Modelling the Hemolysis Phenomenon in a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
Résumé:
In recent years, the idea of using a mechanical pump as a left ventricle assist device is being well
developed by several groups. Meanwhile, one of the challenges in this field is the occurrence of biological phenomena such as hemolysis. From an engineering point of view, a solution to this problem is to provide an accurate and efficient numerical method to predict the phenomenon. Hemolysis models are typically based on equivalent scalar stress and exposure time. Meanwhile, they are inaccurate in predicting the absolute values of the hemolytic parameters. The main objective of my thesis is to provide a model that can forecast the phenomena precisely. This work aims to study the impact of considering extensional stresses as the main reason for hemolysis in the three test cases: FDA nozzle benchmark, FDA pump benchmark, and FineHeart innovative blood pump (the ICOMS). For the first two geometries, the standard models provided by FDA, the objective is to validate the numerical methodology. While for the more realistic test case, the FineHeart blood pump, the final goal is to provide some pieces of advice to reduce the hemolysis level.