This paper describes three different versions of left heart simulators that have been developed at the Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at Georgia Institute of Technology, specifically designed to provide high fidelity experimental datasets necessary for rigorous validation of computational tools. These systems are capable of simulating physiological and pathological flow, pressure and geometric conditions, and can be investigated using a variety of experimental tools to measure relevant biomechanical quantities. The development of such robust simulators is a critical step in ensuring applicability of patient specific computational tools.

Numerical models of the heart’s mitral valve are being used to study valve biomechanics, facilitate predictive surgical planning, and are used in the design and development of repair devices. These models have evolved from simple two-dimensional approximations to complex three-dimensional fully coupled fluid structure interaction models. However, to date these models lack direct one-to-one experimental validation. Moreover, as computational solvers vary considerably based on researcher implementation, experimental benchmark data are critically important to ensure model accuracy. To this end, a multi-modality in-vitro pulsatile left heart simulator was used to establish a database of geometric and hemodynamic boundary conditions coupled with resultant valvular and fluid mechanics.

Aethlon Medical is developing an extracorporeal blood filter as a therapeutic device designed to remove viruses and toxins from the blood of patients. The Hemopurifier is a modified hollow-fiber plasmapheresis cartridge containing an affinity matrix in the extra capillary space. The matrix contains a high mannose specific lectin as the active capture agent. The flow configuration of the device is that of Starling flow. The filter is designed to clear viruses and toxins from blood, delaying illness so the patient’s immune system can fight off the virus. Results to date indicate the efficient removal of a variety of enveloped viruses including HIV, HCV and poxviruses with in vitro evidence indicating the ability to capture Dengue fever virus, measles, mumps, influenza, Ebola and Marburg. Possible additional targets include bioweapons such as smallpox and bacterial toxins. A schematic of the use of the filter in a therapeutic application is shown in figure 1. In order to optimize the design of such a filter, the fluid mechanics of the device is modeled analytically and investigated experimentally. Additional information can be found in Tullis et al. [1], Tullis et al. [2], and Duffin and Tullis [2].