Characterization and Development of Universal Ventricular Assist Device

This technical report presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of an advanced ventricular assist device (AVAD) designed for both left and right ventricular support. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the biventricular performance of the AVAD under various operating conditions. A CFD model was developed and validated using in vitro hydraulic performance measurements, demonstrating a close agreement between predicted and measured hydraulic pressure rises. The study outlines the design features of the AVAD, including its automatic pressure regulation and the implications of rotor axial positions on hydraulic performance. The findings indicate that the AVAD can operate effectively as either a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) or a right ventricular assist device (RVAD), with the ability to maintain circumferential flow similarity across a wide range of flow rates and rotor speeds. Additionally, the report discusses the implications of design modifications aimed at improving hydrodynamic performance, which are essential for enhancing the device's functionality in clinical applications.