In order to design and test the performance of artificial heart valves it is imperative to have knowledge of the dynamic blood flow field within the valve. However, detailed information on the microscopic flow structures within the valve (especially in the socket area) is experimentally inaccessible.  CFD simulations provide insight into the microscopic flow structures.

An aneurysm is a localized and abnormal dilation of an artery due to weakening of the vessel wall. A CFD simulation of blood flow within an aneurysm provides valuable information that is helpful for understanding the growth pattern and danger of rupture.

Analysis of blood flow in vessels can give an insight into stenosis, aneurysms, and other pathological conditions. A CFD simulation of arterial blood flow reproduces clinical observations and provides additional flow details.

CFD was utilized in the development and optimization of a blood cardioplegia device, predicting heat transfer and flow characteristics before prototypes are fabricated. Based on numerical simulations, water and blood flow paths in the heat exchanger are optimized to yield superior heat transfer performance with a minimal energy exchange surface. Experimental measurements have confirmed the validity of the results from the CFD analysis.  CFD analysis performed for Sorin Biomedical.

CFD provides a non-invasive tool to assess catheter placement in the central venous system. Numerical simulations of blood flow around the catheter can be used to predict pressure and viscous forces acting on the device.  This type of information is critical to evaluate catheter displacements inside the vein and possible damage to the vessel wall. CFD techniques produce fluid-structure interaction data usually not available directly from in vivo or in vitro measurements.