A continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) that the Penn State University has developed utilizes Tesla turbomachinery technology. Tesla pumping technology patented by Nikola Tesla in the early 20th century has multiple intriguing characteristics such as simpler manufacturing process, reduced turbulent-related stress, less cavitation due to viscous flow distribution over larger surface areas, and less hemolysis by smooth transition of fluid energy. We successfully tested the 1st version of the Penn State Tesla LVAD [1, 2]. We recently tested the 2nd version of the Tesla pump; to make the pump usable in a wide range of patients, the size of the pump was significantly reduced while trying to avoid any degradation of hemodynamic and hemolytic characteristics. The primary goal of this study is to examine the i) hydrodynamic performance (i.e., pressure rise (H) and flow rate (Q) relationship) of the 2nd version of the Penn State Tesla LVAD, and ii) wall shear stresses on the main control surfaces (i.e., volutes and rotor). The secondary goal is design optimization in terms of the pump efficiency by varying design parameters such as i) number of discs, ii) disc gap spacing, and iii) shape of the back cap (with or without a sharp fluid guider). Design iteration studies were performed at 6000 RPM and a range of flow rates from 2 to 8 LPM.
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