Evaluation of the hemolysis level of a continuous flow blood pump with magnetic bearing

• Grant number: 13/17830-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2013
• End date: May 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Medical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Chi Nan Pai
• Grantee: Ligia Fernande Yoshida
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are blood pumps used to assit the pumping function of the failing heart. The blood pumps are attached to heart in parallel, connecting the left ventricle to aorta. By using the VADs, it is expected to solve the problem of lack of heart donors for transplant. One type of the VADs, the centrifugal blood pump with magnetic bearing, has been developed by the advisor of the proponent of this project. Before performing the in vivo tests using animal models, evaluation of the hemolysis level of the developed VAD is required. The objectives of this project are to assembly a test workbench to evaluate hemolysis level of a continuous flow blood pump, and to evaluate the hemolysis level of the developed VAD. The test workbench, as well as the hemolysis evaluation procedure, are going to follow the methodology defined by American Society for Testing and Materials. The test workbench is composed by one blood reservoir, one water bath tank with temperature controller, two pressure sensors, one flowmeter without contact with the blood, one flow resistance and the continuous flow blood pump to be tested. All components are connected by polyvinylchloride tubing. Porcine blood will be used. It will be maintained at 37 degree Celsius and circulated inside the tubing for six hours, under a flow rate of 5 L/min, against a head pressure of 100 mmHg. A blood sample is collected each hour for measurement of the level of plasma free hemoglobin concentration and, at the end of the experiment, the hemolysis level is calculated using equations denominated Normalized Index of Hemolysis and Modified Index of Hemolysis.