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Catalano C, Crascì F, Puleo S, Scuoppo R, Pasta S, Raffa GM. Computational fluid dynamics in cardiac surgery and perfusion: A review. Perfusion 2024:2676591241239277. [PMID: 38850015 DOI: 10.1177/02676591241239277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases persist as a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, despite significant advances in diagnostic and surgical approaches. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) represents a branch of fluid mechanics widely used in industrial engineering but is increasingly applied to the cardiovascular system. This review delves into the transformative potential for simulating cardiac surgery procedures and perfusion systems, providing an in-depth examination of the state-of-the-art in cardiovascular CFD modeling. The study first describes the rationale for CFD modeling and later focuses on the latest advances in heart valve surgery, transcatheter heart valve replacement, aortic aneurysms, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The review underscores the role of CFD in better understanding physiopathology and its clinical relevance, as well as the profound impact of hemodynamic stimuli on patient outcomes. By integrating computational methods with advanced imaging techniques, CFD establishes a quantitative framework for understanding the intricacies of the cardiac field, providing valuable insights into disease progression and treatment strategies. As technology advances, the evolving synergy between computational simulations and clinical interventions is poised to revolutionize cardiovascular care. This collaboration sets the stage for more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies. With its potential to enhance our understanding of cardiac pathologies, CFD stands as a promising tool for improving patient outcomes in the dynamic landscape of cardiovascular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Catalano
- Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Crascì
- Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Research, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvia Puleo
- Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberta Scuoppo
- Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pasta
- Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Research, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe M Raffa
- Department for the Treatment and Study of Cardiothoracic Diseases and Cardiothoracic Transplantation, IRCCS-ISMETT, Palermo, Italy
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Khalili E, Daversin-Catty C, Olivares AL, Mill J, Camara O, Valen-Sendstad K. On the importance of fundamental computational fluid dynamics toward a robust and reliable model of left atrial flows. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2024; 40:e3804. [PMID: 38286150 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies of left atrial flows have reached a sophisticated level, for example, revealing plausible relationships between hemodynamics and stresses with atrial fibrillation. However, little focus has been on fundamental fluid modeling of LA flows. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal convergence, along with the differences between high- (HR) versus normal-resolution/accuracy (NR) solution strategies, respectively. Rigid wall CFD simulations were conducted on 12 patient-specific left atrial geometries obtained from computed tomography scans, utilizing a second-order accurate and space/time-centered solver. The convergence studies showed an average variability of around 30% and 55% for time averaged wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), relative residence time (RRT), and endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP), even between intermediate spatial and temporal resolutions, in the left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA), respectively. The comparison between HR and NR simulations showed good correlation in the LA for WSS, RRT, and ECAP (R 2 > .9 ), but not for OSI (R 2 = .63 ). However, there were poor correlations in the LAA especially for OSI, RRT, and ECAP (R 2 = .55, .63, and .61, respectively), except for WSS (R 2 = .81 ). The errors are comparable to differences previously reported with disease correlations. To robustly predict atrial hemodynamics and stresses, numerical resolutions of 10 M elements (i.e., Δ x = ∼ .5 mm) and 10 k time-steps per cycle seem necessary (i.e., one order of magnitude higher than normally used in both space and time). In conclusion, attention to fundamental numerical aspects is essential toward establishing a plausible, robust, and reliable model of LA flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Khalili
- Department of Computational Physiology, Simula Research Laboratory, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cécile Daversin-Catty
- Department of Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing, Simula Research Laboratory, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andy L Olivares
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Mill
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar Camara
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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Mill J, Harrison J, Saiz-Vivo M, Albors C, Morales X, Olivares AL, Iriart X, Cochet H, Noailly J, Sermesant M, Camara O. The role of the pulmonary veins on left atrial flow patterns and thrombus formation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5860. [PMID: 38467726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56658-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common human arrhythmia, forming thrombi mostly in the left atrial appendage (LAA). However, the relation between LAA morphology, blood patterns and clot formation is not yet fully understood. Furthermore, the impact of anatomical structures like the pulmonary veins (PVs) have not been thoroughly studied due to data acquisition difficulties. In-silico studies with flow simulations provide a detailed analysis of blood flow patterns under different boundary conditions, but a limited number of cases have been reported in the literature. To address these gaps, we investigated the influence of PVs on LA blood flow patterns and thrombus formation risk through computational fluid dynamics simulations conducted on a sizeable cohort of 130 patients, establishing the largest cohort of patient-specific LA fluid simulations reported to date. The investigation encompassed an in-depth analysis of several parameters, including pulmonary vein orientation (e.g., angles) and configuration (e.g., number), LAA and LA volumes as well as their ratio, flow, and mass-less particles. Our findings highlight the total number of particles within the LAA as a key parameter for distinguishing between the thrombus and non-thrombus groups. Moreover, the angles between the different PVs play an important role to determine the flow going inside the LAA and consequently the risk of thrombus formation. The alignment between the LAA and the main direction of the left superior pulmonary vein, or the position of the right pulmonary vein when it exhibits greater inclination, had an impact to distinguish the control group vs. the thrombus group. These insights shed light on the intricate relationship between PV configuration, LAA morphology, and thrombus formation, underscoring the importance of comprehensive blood flow pattern analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Mill
- Physense, BCN Medtech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Josquin Harrison
- Inria, Université Côte d'Azur, Epione team, 06902, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Marta Saiz-Vivo
- Physense, BCN Medtech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Albors
- Physense, BCN Medtech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xabier Morales
- Physense, BCN Medtech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andy L Olivares
- Physense, BCN Medtech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Iriart
- IHU Liryc, CHU Bordeaux, Université Bordeaux, Inserm, 33600, Pessac, France
- Bordeaux University Hospital, 33600, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hubert Cochet
- IHU Liryc, CHU Bordeaux, Université Bordeaux, Inserm, 33600, Pessac, France
- Bordeaux University Hospital, 33600, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jerome Noailly
- Physense, BCN Medtech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maxime Sermesant
- Inria, Université Côte d'Azur, Epione team, 06902, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Oscar Camara
- Physense, BCN Medtech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08018, Barcelona, Spain
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Aarnink E, Zabern M, Boersma L, Glikson M. Mechanisms and Prediction of Ischemic Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Patients. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6491. [PMID: 37892626 PMCID: PMC10607686 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in adults worldwide and represents an important burden for patients, physicians, and healthcare systems. AF is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity, due to the disease itself and its specific complications, such as the increased risk of stroke and thromboembolic events associated with AF. The temporal relation between AF episodes and stroke is nonetheless incompletely understood. The factors associated with an increased thromboembolic risk remain unclear, as well as the stroke risk stratification. Therefore, in this review, we intend to expose the mechanisms and physiopathology leading to intracardiac thrombus formation and stroke in AF patients, together with the evidence supporting the causal hypothesis. We also expose the risk factors associated with increased risk of stroke, the current different risk stratification tools as well as future prospects for improving this risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Errol Aarnink
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, 3435 CM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Maxime Zabern
- Jesselson Integrated Heart Center, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
| | - Lucas Boersma
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, 3435 CM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Glikson
- Jesselson Integrated Heart Center, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
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Zhang Z, Zhu J, Wu M, Neidlin M, Wu WT, Wu P. Computational modeling of hemodynamics and risk of thrombosis in the left atrial appendage using patient-specific blood viscosity and boundary conditions at the mitral valve. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:1447-1457. [PMID: 37389735 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-023-01731-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Hemodynamics play a vital role for the risk of thrombosis in the left atrial appendage (LAA) and left atrium (LA) for patients with atrial fibrillation. Accurate prediction of hemodynamics in the LA can provide important guidance for assessing the risk of thrombosis in the LAA. Patient specificity is a crucial factor in representing the true hemodynamic fields. In this study, we investigated the effects of blood rheology (as a function of hematocrit and shear rate), as well as patient-specific mitral valve (MV) boundary conditions (MV area and velocity profiles measured by ultrasound) on the hemodynamics and thrombosis potential of the LAA. Four scenarios were setup with different degrees of patient specificity. Though using a constant blood viscosity can classify the thrombus and non-thrombus patients for all the hemodynamic indicators, the risk of thrombosis was underestimated for all patients compared with patient-specific viscosities. The results with least patient specificities showed that patients prone to thrombosis predicted by three hemodynamic indicators were inconsistent with clinical observations. Moreover, though patients had the same MV inlet flow rate, different MV models lead to different trends in the risk of thrombosis in different patients. We also found that endothelial cell activation potential and relative residence time can effectively distinguish thrombus and non-thrombus patients for all the scenarios, relatively insensitive to patient specificities. Overall, the findings of this study provide useful insights on patients-specific hemodynamic simulations of the LA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Zhang
- Artificial Organ Technology Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiade Zhu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Wu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Michael Neidlin
- Department of Cardiovascular Engineering, Medical Faculty, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wei-Tao Wu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Artificial Organ Technology Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Li X, Cai Y, Chen X, Ming Y, He W, Liu J, Pu H, Chen X, Peng L. Radiomics Based on Single-Phase CTA for Distinguishing Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus from Circulatory Stasis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation before Ablation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2474. [PMID: 37568837 PMCID: PMC10417448 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13152474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) and left atrial appendage (LAA) circulatory stasis is difficult when based only on single-phase computed tomography angiography (CTA) in routine clinical practice. Radiomics provides a promising tool for their identification. We retrospectively enrolled 204 (training set: 144; test set: 60) atrial fibrillation patients before ablation, including 102 LAAT and 102 circulatory stasis patients. Radiomics software was used to segment whole LAA on single-phase CTA images and extract features. Models were built and compared via a multivariable logistic regression algorithm and area under of the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs), respectively. For the radiomics model, radiomics clinical model, radiomics radiological model, and combined model, the AUCs were 0.82, 0.86, 0.90, 0.93 and 0.82, 0.82, 0.84, 0.85 in the training set and the test set, respectively (p < 0.05). One clinical feature (rheumatic heart disease) and four radiological features (transverse diameter of left atrium, volume of left atrium, location of LAA, shape of LAA) were added to the combined model. The combined model exhibited excellent differential diagnostic performances between LAAT and circulatory stasis without increasing extra radiation exposure. The single-phase, CTA-based radiomics analysis shows potential as an effective tool for accurately detecting LAAT in patients with atrial fibrillation before ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.L.); (X.C.); (W.H.); (J.L.); (H.P.)
| | - Yuyan Cai
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Xiaoyi Chen
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.L.); (X.C.); (W.H.); (J.L.); (H.P.)
| | - Yue Ming
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Wenzhang He
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.L.); (X.C.); (W.H.); (J.L.); (H.P.)
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.L.); (X.C.); (W.H.); (J.L.); (H.P.)
| | - Huaxia Pu
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.L.); (X.C.); (W.H.); (J.L.); (H.P.)
| | - Xinyue Chen
- CT Collaboration, Siemens Healthineers, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Liqing Peng
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.L.); (X.C.); (W.H.); (J.L.); (H.P.)
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Telle Å, Bargellini C, Chahine Y, Del Álamo JC, Akoum N, Boyle PM. Personalized biomechanical insights in atrial fibrillation: opportunities & challenges. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2023; 21:817-837. [PMID: 37878350 PMCID: PMC10841537 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2023.2273896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an increasingly prevalent and significant worldwide health problem. Manifested as an irregular atrial electrophysiological activation, it is associated with many serious health complications. AF affects the biomechanical function of the heart as contraction follows the electrical activation, subsequently leading to reduced blood flow. The underlying mechanisms behind AF are not fully understood, but it is known that AF is highly correlated with the presence of atrial fibrosis, and with a manifold increase in risk of stroke. AREAS COVERED In this review, we focus on biomechanical aspects in atrial fibrillation, current and emerging use of clinical images, and personalized computational models. We also discuss how these can be used to provide patient-specific care. EXPERT OPINION Understanding the connection betweenatrial fibrillation and atrial remodeling might lead to valuable understanding of stroke and heart failure pathophysiology. Established and emerging imaging modalities can bring us closer to this understanding, especially with continued advancements in processing accuracy, reproducibility, and clinical relevance of the associated technologies. Computational models of cardiac electromechanics can be used to glean additional insights on the roles of AF and remodeling in heart function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åshild Telle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Clarissa Bargellini
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yaacoub Chahine
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Juan C Del Álamo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nazem Akoum
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Patrick M Boyle
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Sanatkhani S, Nedios S, Menon PG, Saba SF, Jain SK, Federspiel WJ, Shroff SG. Subject-specific factors affecting particle residence time distribution of left atrial appendage in atrial fibrillation: A computational model-based study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1070498. [PMID: 36993996 PMCID: PMC10040531 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1070498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia, that causes thrombus formation, ordinarily in the left atrial appendage (LAA). The conventional metric of stroke risk stratification, CHA2DS2-VASc score, does not account for LAA morphology or hemodynamics. We showed in our previous study that residence time distribution (RTD) of blood-borne particles in the LAA and its associated calculated variables (i.e., mean residence time, tm, and asymptotic concentration, C∞) have the potential to improve CHA2DS2-VASc score. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of the following potential confounding factors on LAA tm and C∞: (1) pulmonary vein flow waveform pulsatility, (2) non-Newtonian blood rheology and hematocrit level, and (3) length of the simulation.MethodsSubject-Specific data including left atrial (LA) and LAA cardiac computed tomography, cardiac output (CO), heart rate, and hematocrit level were gathered from 25 AF subjects. We calculated LAA tm and C∞ based on series of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses.ResultsBoth LAA tm and C∞ are significantly affected by the CO, but not by temporal pattern of the inlet flow. Both LAA tm and C∞ increase with increasing hematocrit level and both calculated indices are higher for non-Newtonian blood rheology for a given hematocrit level. Further, at least 20,000 s of CFD simulation is needed to calculate LAA tm and C∞ values reliably.ConclusionsSubject-specific LA and LAA geometries, CO, and hematocrit level are essential to quantify the subject-specific proclivity of blood cell tarrying inside LAA in terms of the RTD function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroosh Sanatkhani
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sotirios Nedios
- Department of Electrophysiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Heart Center, Department of Electrophysiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Prahlad G. Menon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Samir F. Saba
- Heart and Vascular Institute, UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sandeep K. Jain
- Heart and Vascular Institute, UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - William J. Federspiel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sanjeev G. Shroff
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Correspondence: Sanjeev G. Shroff
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Zhao Y, Cao LY, Zhao YX, Wang F, Xie LL, Xing HY, Wang Q. Medical record data-enabled machine learning can enhance prediction of left atrial appendage thrombosis in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Thromb Res 2023; 223:174-183. [PMID: 36764084 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a major complication of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis is associated with cerebral ischemic strokes, as well as high morbidity. Due to insufficient incorporation of risk factors, most current scoring methods are limited to the analysis of relationships between clinical characteristics and LAA thrombosis rather than detecting potential risk. Therefore, this study proposes a clinical data-driven machine learning method to predict LAA thrombosis of NVAF. METHODS Patients with NVAF from January 2014 to June 2022 were enrolled from Southwest Hospital. We selected 40 variables for analysis, including demographic data, medical history records, laboratory results, and the structure of LAA. Three machine learning algorithms were adopted to construct classifiers for the prediction of LAA thrombosis risk. The most important variables related to LAA thrombosis and their influences were recognized by SHapley Addictive exPlanations method. In addition, we compared our model with CHADS2 and CHADS2-VASc scoring methods. RESULTS A total of 713 participants were recruited, including 127 patients with LAA thrombosis and 586 patients with no obvious thrombosis. The consensus models based on Random Forest and eXtreme Gradient Boosting LAA thrombosis prediction (RXTP) achieved the best accuracy of 0.865, significantly outperforming CHADS2 score and CHA2DS2-VASc score (0.757 and 0.754, respectively). The SHAP results showed that B-type natriuretic peptide, left atrial appendage width, C-reactive protein, Fibrinogen and estimated glomerular filtration rate are closely related to the risk of LAA thrombosis in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS The RXTP-NVAF model is the most effective model with the greatest ROC value and recall rate. The summarized risk factors obtained from SHAP enable the optimization of the treatment strategy, thereby preventing thromboembolism events and the occurrence of cardiogenic ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University),Chongqing, China
| | - Li-Ya Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University),Chongqing, China
| | - Ying-Xin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Army Medical Center, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University),Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Medical Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lin-Li Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University),Chongqing, China
| | - Hai-Yan Xing
- Department of Pharmacy, Army Medical Center, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University),Chongqing, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University),Chongqing, China.
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Qureshi A, Lip GYH, Nordsletten DA, Williams SE, Aslanidi O, de Vecchi A. Imaging and biophysical modelling of thrombogenic mechanisms in atrial fibrillation and stroke. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1074562. [PMID: 36733827 PMCID: PMC9887999 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1074562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) underlies almost one third of all ischaemic strokes, with the left atrial appendage (LAA) identified as the primary thromboembolic source. Current stroke risk stratification approaches, such as the CHA2DS2-VASc score, rely mostly on clinical comorbidities, rather than thrombogenic mechanisms such as blood stasis, hypercoagulability and endothelial dysfunction-known as Virchow's triad. While detection of AF-related thrombi is possible using established cardiac imaging techniques, such as transoesophageal echocardiography, there is a growing need to reliably assess AF-patient thrombogenicity prior to thrombus formation. Over the past decade, cardiac imaging and image-based biophysical modelling have emerged as powerful tools for reproducing the mechanisms of thrombogenesis. Clinical imaging modalities such as cardiac computed tomography, magnetic resonance and echocardiographic techniques can measure blood flow velocities and identify LA fibrosis (an indicator of endothelial dysfunction), but imaging remains limited in its ability to assess blood coagulation dynamics. In-silico cardiac modelling tools-such as computational fluid dynamics for blood flow, reaction-diffusion-convection equations to mimic the coagulation cascade, and surrogate flow metrics associated with endothelial damage-have grown in prevalence and advanced mechanistic understanding of thrombogenesis. However, neither technique alone can fully elucidate thrombogenicity in AF. In future, combining cardiac imaging with in-silico modelling and integrating machine learning approaches for rapid results directly from imaging data will require development under a rigorous framework of verification and clinical validation, but may pave the way towards enhanced personalised stroke risk stratification in the growing population of AF patients. This Review will focus on the significant progress in these fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Qureshi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Ahmed Qureshi,
| | - Gregory Y. H. Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Nordsletten
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom,Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Steven E. Williams
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom,Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Oleg Aslanidi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adelaide de Vecchi
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Sun Y, Ling Y, Chen Z, Wang Z, Li T, Tong Q, Qian Y. Finding low CHA2DS2-VASc scores unreliable? Why not give morphological and hemodynamic methods a try? Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1032736. [PMID: 36684565 PMCID: PMC9846026 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1032736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) suffer from a high risk of thrombosis. Currently, the CHA2DS2-VASc score is the most widely used tool for risk stratification in patients with AF, but it has disappointing accuracy and limited predictive value, especially in those with low scores. Thrombi in patients with AF mostly grow in their left atrial appendages (LAA), which is directly related to the abnormal morphology of the LAA or the left atrium and the unusual hemodynamic state around LAA, which may sensitively evaluate the risk of thrombosis complications in patients with AF and bring bases to clinical plans of medication and operation. Therefore, we investigated the research progress of hemodynamic and morphological studies about the predictive value of thrombosis risk in patients with AF, intending to discuss the prediction potential of morphological and hemodynamic indexes when compared with the presently used CHA2DS2-VASc system and how to build a more precise thromboembolic event prediction model for patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- YiRen Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,West China Medical School/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunfei Ling
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zijia Chen
- West China Medical School/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhengjie Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Tong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongjun Qian
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Yongjun Qian,
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12
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Wang L, Wang J, Chen Q, Li Q, Mendieta JB, Li Z. How getting twisted in scaffold design can promote bone regeneration: A fluid-structure interaction evaluation. J Biomech 2022; 145:111359. [PMID: 36334321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Bone tissue engineering (BTE) uses engineering principles to repair large bone defects, which requires effective mass transport ability of scaffolds to support cellular activities during bone regeneration. Since the implanted BTE scaffolds keep deforming under physiological loading which influences the fluid flow and mass transport within the scaffold and surrounding tissue, thus, scaffold design needs to consider the mass transport behavior under the physiological loading. This work proposed a novel twist scaffold, and its mass transport efficiency under physiological loading conditions was evaluated by a fluid-structure interaction analysis. The results showed that compared to the non-twist scaffold, the twist scaffold could form a rotating flow under the physiological loading, which enhanced the mass transport and generated more appropriate wall shear stress (WSS) to promote bone regeneration. This highlighted the better mass transport efficiency of the twist scaffold. Therefore, getting twist may be a promising design strategy for future BTE scaffolds, and the fluid-structure interaction approach may be a more reliable method for bone regeneration studies in either in vivo or in vitro systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luping Wang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jiaqiu Wang
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Qiang Chen
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Qiwei Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jessica Benitez Mendieta
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Zhiyong Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
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13
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Fang R, Li Y, Wang J, Wang Z, Allen J, Ching CK, Zhong L, Li Z. Stroke risk evaluation for patients with atrial fibrillation: Insights from left atrial appendage. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:968630. [PMID: 36072865 PMCID: PMC9441763 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.968630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Left atrial appendage (LAA) is believed to be a common site of thrombus formation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the commonly-applied stroke risk stratification model (such as. CHA2DS2-VASc score) does not include any structural or hemodynamic features of LAA. Recent studies have suggested that it is important to incorporate LAA geometrical and hemodynamic features to evaluate the risk of thrombus formation in LAA, which may better delineate the AF patients for anticoagulant administration and prevent strokes. This review focuses on the LAA-related factors that may be associated with thrombus formation and cardioembolic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runxin Fang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Zhongda Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zidun Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - John Allen
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chi Keong Ching
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Liang Zhong
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhiyong Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Zhiyong Li
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14
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Fang R, Wang Z, Zhao X, Wang J, Li Y, Zhang Y, Chen Q, Wang J, Liu Q, Chen M, Li Z. Stroke risk evaluation for patients with atrial fibrillation: Insights from left atrial appendage with fluid-structure interaction analysis. Comput Biol Med 2022; 148:105897. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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15
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Wang L, Wang Z, Fang R, Li ZY. Evaluation of Stroke Risk in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Using Morphological and Hemodynamic Characteristics. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:842364. [PMID: 35571199 PMCID: PMC9098797 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.842364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is well known that the thrombus triggering stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) mainly comes from the left atrial appendage (LAA). This study aims to characterize the morphological and hemodynamic parameters and evaluate their differences between AF patients with and without a stroke history. Methods Cardiac CT images were obtained from AF patients with (n = 10) and without a history of stroke (n = 10). 3D models of the left atrium (LA) were reconstructed by processing the CT image, and the LA/LAA morphological parameters were measured. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to calculate the hemodynamic parameters in LA. The species-transport model and discrete phase model (DPM) were applied to analyze blood residual ratio and particle residual ratio, two qualitative parameters for thrombus formation and flow-out potential, respectively. Results There were significant differences in LAA actual depth (p = 0.002), and direct length (p = 0.049) between the non-stroke and stroke groups. Significant differences were also found in certain hemodynamic parameters. The blood residual ratio in LAA was significantly smaller in the stroke group than in the non-stroke group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the particle residual ratio within LAA was significantly smaller in the stroke groups than in the non-stroke group (p < 0.05). Conclusion There are significant differences in both morphological and hemodynamic parameters between AF patients with and without a stroke history. A high blood residual ratio in LAA confirms that thrombus is more likely to form in AF patients. A significantly smaller particle residual ratio in the stroke group may suggest the thrombus formed with LAA is more likely to flow out of LAA, leading to a higher risk of stroke. The proposed morphological and hemodynamic parameters may be additional risk factors that can be used to better risk stratify AF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Wang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zidun Wang
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Runxin Fang
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Zhi-Yong Li,
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Morais P, Nelles D, Vij V, Al-Kassou B, Weber M, Nickenig G, Schrickel JW, Vilaça JL, Sedaghat A. Assessment of LAA Strain and Thrombus Mobility and Its Impact on Thrombus Resolution-Added-Value of a Novel Echocardiographic Thrombus Tracking Method. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2022; 13:950-960. [PMID: 35562637 PMCID: PMC9750899 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-022-00629-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The mobility of left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi and changes hereof under anticoagulation may serve as a marker of both risk of embolism and efficacy of treatment. In this study, we sought to evaluate thrombus mobility and hypothesized that LAA dynamics and thrombus mobility could serve as a baseline marker of thrombus dissolvability. METHODS Patients with two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic images of the LAA, and with evidence of LAA thrombus were included in this study. Using a speckle tracking algorithm, functional information from the LAA and thrombi of different patients was computed. While the LAA motion was quantified through the longitudinal strain, thrombus mobility was evaluated using a novel method by directly tracking the thrombus, isolated from the global cardiac motion. Baseline characteristics and echocardiographic parameters were compared between responders (thrombus resolution) and non-responders (thrombus persistence) to anticoagulation. RESULTS We included 35 patients with atrial fibrillation with evidence of LAA thrombi. Patients had a mean age of 72.9 ± 14.1 years, exhibited a high risk for thromboembolism (CHA2DS2-VASc-Score 4.1 ± 1.5) and had moderately reduced LVEF (41.7 ± 14.4%) and signs of diastolic dysfunction (E/E' = 19.7 ± 8.5). While anticoagulation was initiated in all patients, resolution was achieved in 51.4% of patients. Significantly higher LAA peak strain (- 3.0 ± 1.3 vs. - 1.6 ± 1.5%, p < 0.01) and thrombus mobility (0.33 ± 0.13 mm vs. 0.18 ± 0.08 mm, p < 0.01) were observed in patients in whom thrombi resolved (i.e. responders against non-responders). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed a high discriminatory ability for thrombus mobility with regards to thrombus resolution (AUC 0.89). CONCLUSION Isolated tracking of thrombus mobility from echocardiographic images is feasible. In patients with LAA thrombus, higher thrombus mobility appeared to be associated with thrombus resolution. Future studies should be conducted to evaluate the role of the described technique to predict LAA thrombus resolution or persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Morais
- 2Ai – School of Technology, IPCA, Barcelos, Portugal
| | - Dominik Nelles
- Med. Klinik und Poliklinik II, Herzzentrum Bonn, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Vivian Vij
- Med. Klinik und Poliklinik II, Herzzentrum Bonn, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Baravan Al-Kassou
- Med. Klinik und Poliklinik II, Herzzentrum Bonn, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marcel Weber
- Med. Klinik und Poliklinik II, Herzzentrum Bonn, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Georg Nickenig
- Med. Klinik und Poliklinik II, Herzzentrum Bonn, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Wilko Schrickel
- Med. Klinik und Poliklinik II, Herzzentrum Bonn, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Sedaghat
- Med. Klinik und Poliklinik II, Herzzentrum Bonn, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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17
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Sensitivity Analysis of In Silico Fluid Simulations to Predict Thrombus Formation after Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion. MATHEMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/math9182304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is nowadays the most common human arrhythmia and it is considered a marker of an increased risk of embolic stroke. It is known that 99% of AF-related thrombi are generated in the left atrial appendage (LAA), an anatomical structure located within the left atrium (LA). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has become a good alternative for nonvalvular AF patients with contraindications to anticoagulants. However, there is a non-negligible number of device-related thrombus (DRT) events, created next to the device surface. In silico fluid simulations can be a powerful tool to better understand the relation between LA anatomy, haemodynamics, and the process of thrombus formation. Despite the increasing literature in LA fluid modelling, a consensus has not been reached yet in the community on the optimal modelling choices and boundary conditions for generating realistic simulations. In this line, we have performed a sensitivity analysis of several boundary conditions scenarios, varying inlet/outlet and LA wall movement configurations, using patient-specific imaging data of six LAAO patients (three of them with DRT at follow-up). Mesh and cardiac cycle convergence were also analysed. The boundary conditions scenario that better predicted DRT cases had echocardiography-based velocities at the mitral valve outlet, a generic pressure wave from an AF patient at the pulmonary vein inlets, and a dynamic mesh approach for LA wall deformation, emphasizing the need for patient-specific data for realistic simulations. The obtained promising results need to be further validated with larger cohorts, ideally with ground truth data, but they already offer unique insights on thrombogenic risk in the left atria.
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