Using Animal Models to Study Pediatric Cardiovascular Devices: The Impact on Fluid Dynamics

Due to a high mortality rate for pediatric patients on the heart transplant list, smaller versions of ventricular assist devices (VADs) are being developed for these patients [1]. Ventricular assist devicess used in adult patients with end-stage heart failure have already become a viable option during the bridge-to-transplant period [2] and have also shown potential for aiding in myocardial recovery. A challenge to the development of pediatric VADs is the use of the aortic cannulae attached to them. During the development of the 12cc Pennsylvania State pediatric pulsatile VAD, particle image velocimetry (PIV) illustrated that hematocrit levels affected the fluid dynamics. The objective of this study is to compare the fluid dynamics of a pediatric blood analog and a goat blood analog within PVAD aortic cannulae.