Abstract
The flow in the impeller of a centrifugal blood pump developed at the National Cardiovascular Center of Japan was clearly visualized by the oil film method to illustrate the overall flow structure inside the open-type impeller. The results showed that the main stream went along the pressure surface with a backward flow at the inlet. Large-scale vortices were formed near both tips of the suction side, and a low-velocity area was found in the middle of the suction side that could be eliminated by increasing the flow rate. These findings were helpful for improving the design of the impeller to enhance the hydraulic performance and the antithrombogenicity of the pump.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: March 23, 2001 / Accepted: July 11, 2001
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tsukiya, T., Taenaka, Y., Tatsumi, E. et al. Visualization of flow structure in a centrifugal blood pump impeller. J Artif Organs 5, 13–17 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s100470200002
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s100470200002