Flow associated with a generic catheter: influence of SVC wall on jet interaction

The flow patterns emerging at a catheter migrating close to the simulated superior vena cava (SVC) wall has been investigated for jet to cross stream velocity ratios of 3 and 6 experimentally. As the catheter moves close to the SVC wall, changes in the jet behavior can potentially cause health problems to the patient. In this study, time-averaged velocity, vorticity, and Reynolds stress correlation have been documented with particle image velocimetry technique for various catheter configurations. It has been shown that as the jet impinges against the neighboring vessel wall, altered trajectories and Reynolds stress levels can give rise to stenosis and clotting. Key-Words: hemodialysis, catheter, SVC wall, velocity, stenosis, clotting.