Brady Houtz
Penn State has developed a pulsatile pediatric ventricular assist device (PVAD) to reduce the mechanical circulatory load for children on the heart transplant waiting list. The average pediatric heart rate ranges from 100-180 bpm. The hemodynamics of the PVAD with an elevated beat rate of 125 bpm was quantified using particle image velocimetry. The higher beat rate created a stronger inlet jet and a more sustained recirculation, suggesting a reduced susceptibility to clotting.