title: Review of recent results using computational fluid dynamics simulations in patients receiving mechanical assist devices for end-stage heart failure.
abstract: Many end-stage heart failure patients are not eligible to undergo heart transplantation due to organ shortage, and even those under consideration for transplantation might suffer long waiting periods. A better understanding of the hemodynamic impact of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) on the cardiovascular system is therefore of great interest. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations give the opportunity to study the hemodynamics in this patient population using clinical imaging data such as computed tomographic angiography. This article reviews a recent study series involving patients with pulsatile and constant-flow LVAD devices in which CFD simulations were used to qualitatively and quantitatively assess blood flow dynamics in the thoracic aorta, demonstrating its potential to enhance the information available from medical imaging.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Mina Berty
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Farag
authors.affiliation: Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Christof
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Karmonik
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Fabian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rengier
authors.affiliation: Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Loebe
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karck
authors.affiliation: Institute for Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Hendrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: von Tengg-Kobligk
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Arjang
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ruhparwar
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
authors.forename: Sasan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Partovi
mesh_terms: D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D057446:Hydrodynamics; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D009716:Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left; D057188:Workflow
keywords: computational fluid dynamics; heart failure; left ventricular assist device