Key result
In a computational model, an LVAD further reduced the maximum strength of the leading vortex ring in a dilated cardiomyopathy ventricle and caused it to disappear earlier with increasing flows.
Why the study?
Does a left ventricular assist device alter vortex dynamics in a computational model of dilated cardiomyopathy?
Does a left ventricular assist device alter vortex dynamics in a computational model of dilated cardiomyopathy?
Computational modeling demonstrates that LVAD support significantly alters intraventricular vortex dynamics in dilated cardiomyopathy, which may have implications for monitoring and diagnostics.
LVAD may confound vortex-based monitoring in modeled DCM; leaves open clinical relevance and need for validation.
Together with new developments in mechanical cardiac support, the analysis of vortex dynamics in the left ventricle has become an increasingly important topic in literature. The aim of this study was to develop a method to investigate the influence of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) on vortex dynamics in a failing ventricle. An axisymmetric fluid dynamics model of the left ventricle was developed and coupled to a lumped parameter model of the complete circulation. Simulations were performed for healthy conditions and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Vortex structures in these simulations were analysed by means of automated detection. Results show that the strength of the leading vortex ring is lower in a DCM ventricle than in a healthy ventricle. The LVAD further influences the maximum strength of the vortex and also causes the vortex to disappear earlier in time with increasing LVAD flows. Understanding these phenomena by means of the method proposed in this study will contribute to enhanced diagnostics and monitoring during cardiac support.
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Loerakker et al. (2008) studied Dilated cardiomyopathy. Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) vs. Healthy conditions and DCM without LVAD was evaluated on Vortex dynamics (strength of the leading vortex ring). In a computational model, an LVAD further reduced the maximum strength of the leading vortex ring in a dilated cardiomyopathy ventricle and caused it to disappear earlier with increasing flows.
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