Computational investigation of emboli behaviour during aortic cannulation

This thesis is a computational and experimental study of gaseous and solid emboli entering the body during heart surgery. By incorporating a multi-patient simulation, the research examines the emboli trajectories and found they have a predictive nature due to the surgical cannula's location and the amount of blood pump flow. A novel cannula was designed and demonstrated a lower embolic load than a standard cannula. This study presents a better understanding of emboli fate and the role of blood flow during cardiac surgery. The results offer an alternative cannula design and new clinical procedures to help minimise patient injury