Key result
Compliant models of the Bidirectional Glenn exhibited greater levels of energy loss and turbulence compared to rigid models, indicating vessel compliance significantly impacts hemodynamics.
Why the study?
In-vitro and in-silico Bidirectional Glenn studies have historically relied on rigid wall models, leaving the impact of flexible thin-walled compliant models versus rigid walls unexamined.
Does vessel compliance impact hemodynamics and energy loss in in-vitro models of the Bidirectional Glenn procedure?
Does vessel compliance impact hemodynamics and energy loss in in-vitro models of the Bidirectional Glenn procedure?
In-vitro modeling of the Bidirectional Glenn procedure shows that vessel compliance significantly increases energy loss and turbulence, highlighting the importance of using flexible models in hemodynamic simulations.
Rigid Glenn models may underestimate energy loss; leaves open need for compliant materials in clinical simulations.
The Bidirectional Glenn (BDG) or cavopulmonary connection is typically undertaken to volume unload the single ventricle in an effort to preserve ventricular and atrioventricular valve function. The geometry of this surgical palliation has been shown to influence the fluid energy loss as well as the distribution of flow that enters through the superior vena cava. In-vitro and in-silico studies to date have been performed on rigid wall models, while this investigation looks at the impact of flexible thin walled models versus rigid walls. Rigid and compliant models of two patient-specific Glenn geometries were fabricated and tested under various flow conditions, within a biosimulator capable of replicating patient specific flow conditions. It was found that the compliant models exhibit greater levels of energy loss compared to the rigid models. Along with these findings greater levels of turbulence was found in both compliant models compared to their rigid counterparts under ultrasound examinations. This shows that vessel compliance has a significant impact on the hemodynamics within hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
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McHugo et al. (2020) studied Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n=2). Compliant (flexible thin-walled) models vs. Rigid wall models was evaluated on Energy loss and turbulence. Compliant models of the Bidirectional Glenn exhibited greater levels of energy loss and turbulence compared to rigid models, indicating vessel compliance significantly impacts hemodynamics.
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