An innovative appendage invagination procedure to reduce thrombus formation - a numerical model

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Medical Devices
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is crucial for preventing thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation.
• Thrombus formation in the LAA is linked to blood stasis and low shear rates.
• Current LAA closure methods may have limitations in optimizing intra-atrial hemodynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hemodynamic effects of a novel LAA invagination technique.
• To assess the potential of LAA invagination to mitigate thrombus formation risk.
• To evaluate the impact of LAA invagination on intra-atrial blood flow patterns.

Main Methods:

• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were employed.
• Analysis of blood flow velocity and shear rate within the atria.
• Comparison of hemodynamic parameters before and after simulated LAA invagination.

Main Results:

• LAA invagination effectively eliminated regions of low velocity (blood stasis).
• The technique reduced low shear rate areas associated with thrombus formation.
• Simulated invagination improved overall atrial flow dynamics.

Conclusions:

• LAA invagination is a promising technique for LAA closure.
• This method enhances atrial flow fields, potentially reducing thromboembolic events.
• LAA invagination may offer an improved clinical treatment for atrial fibrillation patients.