Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
1-31-1990
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Biomedical Engineering Committee
First Advisor
Piero M. Armenante
Second Advisor
Peter Engler
Third Advisor
David S. Kristol
Abstract
There is a strong connection between altered arterial blood flow and vascular disease. The presence of disturbed flow and/or excessive turbulence is an indication of an abnormality within the cardiovascular system. The examination of cardiovascular fluid dynamics provides insights into the working of the cardiovascular system and ways to improve the design of implantable bioprosthetic valve designs. This investigation examines the fluid flow of arterial systems, and ways to apply this knowledge to the valves implanted into patients.
This thesis involves an investigation of the testing of bioprosthetic valves within simulated left heart flow loops. These systems include pulse duplicators and accelerated fatigue testers. Several variations of an arterial pulse pressure model are analyzed. These models numerically simulate arterial flow and pressure through electrical analog circuits, incorporating resistance, capacitance and inertia parameters. The governing fluid flow equations for an oscillating fluid are examined, for laminar and turbulent flow, and an exact solution to the Navier-Stokes equation is calculated for an incompressible, laminar, Newtonian fluid with an imposed periodic pressure gradient. This solution can be used for comparison with experimental results. A program was created for data analysis to be used in conjunction with a Laser Doppler Velocimeter system that measures fluid velocity downstream of a bioprosthetic valve within a left heart simulator. The methods used to analyze the flow measurements are also discussed, with emphasis placed upon techniques applicable to pulsatile flow situations.
Recommended Citation
Calta, Carol A., "Investigation of the fluid dynamics of bioprosthetic heart valves" (1990). Theses. 2536.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/2536
