Investigation into the Existence of Cavitation within Haemodialysis Needles

Abstract:

The source of micro bubbles within the haemodialysis extracorporeal circuit is currently unknown. If micro bubbles enter the body they may result in several health issues. Micro bubbles may be formed near the needles if the local pressure drops below the vapour pressure of blood, causing cavitation. Cavitation has been hypothesised to occur at the arterial needle due to the lower local pressures from the suction forces created by the peristaltic blood pump. A CFD model was developed to study the possible inception of cavitation from various options. Variations in needle flow rate and needle orientation were studied using a transient waveform, to determine the clinical conditions in which cavitation might occur. Cavitation may occur within the needle bore when the flow rates are temporarily elevated in the waveform. Needle orientation was also found to have no effect on cavitation potential.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 553)
• Pages: 199-204
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.553.199
• Online since: May 2014
• Authors: David Fulker*, Tracie J. Barber, Anne Simmons, Gholamreza Keshavarzi
• Keywords: Cavitation, Haemodialysis, Needle

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