In-silico analysis of outflow graft implantation orientation and cerebral thromboembolism incidence for full LVAD support

Abstract

We investigate tailoring cannula implantation angles of left ventricle assist devices (LVAD) to reduce cerebral embolism risk for full LVAD support. We resolve pulsatile hemodynamics with a multi-scale computational fluid dynamics model coupled to a Lagrangian scheme tracking 2-5 mm particles for three cannula implantations. Blood is modeled as non-Newtonian. Cerebral flow distribution is altered depending on anastomosis angle and comparison of means embolization rates between steady and unsteady flow models show that unsteady modeling is more accurate even in the full LVAD support case. Intermediate angle implantation yields lowest cerebral embolization incidence of 11% vs 29% for normal and 36% for shallow implantation.