Multi-scale pulsatile CFD modeling of thrombus transport in a patient-specific LVAD implantation

Abstract

Purpose

Predictive models implemented in medical procedures can potentially bring great benefit to patients and represent a step forward in targeted treatments based on a patient’s physiological condition. It is the purpose of this paper to outline such a model.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-scale 0D-3D model based on patient specific geometry combines a 0-dimensional lumped parameter model (LPM) with a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis coupled in time, to obtain physiologically viable flow parameters.

Findings

A comparison of physiological data gathered from literature with flow-field measurements in this model shows the viability of this method in relation to potential predictions of pathological flows repercussions and candidate treatments.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the model is the absence of compliance in the walls in the CFD fluid domain; however, compliance of the peripheral vasculature is accounted for by the LPM. Currently, an attempt is in progress to extend this multi-scale model to account for the fluid-structure interaction of the ventricular assist device vasculature and hemodynamics.

Originality/value

This work reports on a predictive pulsatile flow model that can be used to investigate surgical alternatives to reduce strokes in LVADs.

Citation

Prather, R.O., Kassab, A., Ni, M.W., Divo, E., Argueta-Morales, R. and DeCampli, W.M. (2017), "Multi-scale pulsatile CFD modeling of thrombus transport in a patient-specific LVAD implantation", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 27 No. 5, pp. 1022-1039. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-10-2016-0378