Computational fluid dynamic analysis of the flow field in the newly developed inflow cannula for a bridge-to-decision mechanical circulatory support.

The flow field of the newly developed inflow cannula designed for a bridge-to-decision circulatory support was numerically analyzed by computational fluid dynamics. This new cannula has elastic struts at the tip that enable minimal invasive insertion into the left ventricle while maintaining a wide inflow area by its lantern-like tip. The cannula's hydrodynamic loss, including change in pressure loss due to deformation, and its thrombus potential were numerically examined. Hydraulic resistance of the cannula with blood analog fluid was 31 mmHg at the flow rate of 5.0 L/min. There were regions on the inner surface of the struts where the shear rate was <100 s(-1), and these regions can be a potential for thrombus formation, especially at low flow rates or under limited anticoagulant therapy.