Numerical Study of the Influence of Blood Viscosity on Aortic Blood Flow with Left Ventricular Assistance Support Pump

Heart failure (HF) is a condition responsible for thousands of deaths each year. It is characterized by the heart's inability to effectively supply blood to the systemic circulation. In such cases, the implantation of a pump known as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) helps a failing heart restore proper blood flow. However, LVAD implantation may lead to complications such as an increased risk of stroke, thrombus formation, and reverse flow through the aortic valve. This study aims to numerically investigate a section of the aorta coupled to a LVAD pump, using computational fluid dynamics. The objective is to identify how increased LVAD pump speed and blood viscosity impact hemodynamic variables, which may contribute to the adverse effects of mechanical support. Real data from a patient with an implanted LVAD support were analysed using six viscosity models and five different LVAD pump flow rates. Several simulations were conducted to compare the hemodynamic variables' results across different viscosity models. Subsequently, the results for the various LVAD pump flow rates were analyzed. These analyses allowed the identification of critical points within the geometry, associated with the adverse effects of each hemodynamic variable.