[Effect of lower limb amputation level on aortic hemodynamics: a numerical study].

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular hemodynamics
• Biomedical engineering
• Vascular physiology

Background:

• Patients with lower limb amputation exhibit higher cardiovascular disease incidence.
• The hemodynamic link between amputation and cardiovascular events remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hemodynamic impact of lower limb amputation on aortic blood flow.
• To explore the relationship between amputation, peripheral impedance/capacitance, and cardiovascular disease risk.

Main Methods:

• Utilized numerical simulations to model hemodynamic changes post-amputation.
• Adjusted peripheral impedance and capacitance parameters to mimic amputation effects.

Main Results:

• Amputation led to increased aortic blood pressure and decreased time-averaged wall shear stress in the infrarenal abdominal aorta.
• Asymmetrical distribution of the oscillatory shear index was observed in the aorta.
• Iliac artery showed reduced time-averaged wall shear stress and increased oscillatory shear index.
• These hemodynamic alterations intensified with higher amputation levels.

Conclusions:

• Lower limb amputation significantly impacts aortic hemodynamics, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• Findings offer theoretical insights for rehabilitation strategies and cardiovascular disease treatment optimization in amputees.