Hydraulic studies of aortic cannulation return nozzles.

An in vitro investigation of 8 different types of clinical aortic return nozzles was conducted. The importance of cannula geometry, tip location and direction was demonstrated in preventing abnormal flow conditions in the major aortic arch arteries. Alternative methods to correct these abnormalities were studied. This report has presented a preliminary study of the flow conditions produced by aortic cannulae during cardiopulmonary bypass. More detailed analysis of the pressure field as well as in vivo studies of the effects of a non-rigid geometry of the flow behavior are needed to confirm the findings of this investigation.