Laser Doppler anemometer studies in unsteady ventricular flows.

The laser Doppler technique was employed to obtain intraventricular velocity distributions on the basis of in vivo confirmation of previous in vitro flow visualization predictions. The quasi-steady assumption required for quantification of flow visualization results is unsatisfactory in regions of high acceleration and fluctuating velocities are unavailable via such techniques. Mean and fluctuating velocity profiles were obtained in a pneumatically driven prosthetic ventricle with the laser Doppler anemometer and stress levels estimated. The preliminary data presented here illustrates that the technique can be applied to such flows. The measurement and data reduction schemes are applicable to a wide range of simulated cardiovascular flows. The particular application to prosthetic ventricle design should minimize the number of in vivo experiments required to develop a satisfactory blood pump and aid in tailoring pump actuation protocols for minimum thromboembolic complications.