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Danielli F, Berti F, Fanni BM, Gasparotti E, Celi S, Pennati G, Petrini L. Left atrial appendage occlusion: On the need of a numerical model to simulate the implant procedure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2024; 40:e3814. [PMID: 38504482 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3814] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a percutaneous procedure to prevent thromboembolism in patients affected by atrial fibrillation. Despite its demonstrated efficacy, the LAA morphological complexity hinders the procedure, resulting in postprocedural drawbacks (device-related thrombus and peri-device leakage). Local anatomical features may cause difficulties in the device's positioning and affect the effectiveness of the device's implant. The current work proposes a detailed FE model of the LAAO useful to investigate implant scenarios and derive clinical indications. A high-fidelity model of the Watchman FLX device and simplified parametric conduits mimicking the zone of the LAA where the device is deployed were developed. Device-conduit interactions were evaluated by looking at clinical indicators such as device-wall gap, possible cause of leakage, and device protrusion. As expected, the positioning of the crimped device before the deployment was found to significantly affect the implant outcomes: clinician's choices can be improved if FE models are used to optimize the pre-operative planning. Remarkably, also the wall mechanical stiffness plays an important role. However, this parameter value is unknown for a specific LAA, a crucial point that must be correctly defined for developing an accurate FE model. Finally, numerical simulations outlined how the device's configuration on which the clinician relies to assess the implant success (i.e., the deployed configuration with the device still attached to the catheter) may differ from the actual final device's configuration, relevant for achieving a safe intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Danielli
- LaBS - Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Berti
- LaBS - Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Simona Celi
- BioCardioLab, Fondazione Toscana G. Monasterio, Massa, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Pennati
- LaBS - Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Petrini
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Batko J, Jakiel R, Krawczyk-Ożóg A, Litwinowicz R, Hołda J, Bartuś S, Bartuś K, Hołda MK, Konieczyńska M. Definition and anatomical description of the left atrial appendage neck. Clin Anat 2024; 37:201-209. [PMID: 38031393 DOI: 10.1002/ca.24125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The left atrial appendage (LAA) is well known as a source of cardiac thrombus formation. Despite its clinical importance, the LAA neck is still anatomically poorly defined. Therefore, this study aimed to define the LAA neck and determine its morphometric characteristics. We performed three-dimensional reconstructions of the heart chambers based on contrast-enhanced electrocardiography-gated computed tomography scans of 200 patients (47% females, 66.5 ± 13.6 years old). The LAA neck was defined as a truncated cone-shaped canal bounded proximally by the LAA orifice and distally by the lobe origin and was present in 98.0% of cases. The central axis of the LAA neck was 14.7 ± 2.3 mm. The mean area of the LAA neck walls was 856.6 ± 316.7 mm2 . The LAA neck can be divided into aortic, arterial (the smallest), venous (the largest), and free surfaces. All areas have a trapezoidal shape with a broader proximal base. There were no statistically significant differences in the morphometric characteristics of the LAA neck between LAA types. Statistically significant differences between the sexes in the main morphometric parameters of the LAA neck were found in the central axis length and the LAA neck wall area. The LAA neck can be evaluated from computed tomography scans and their three-dimensional reconstructions. The current study provides a complex morphometric analysis of the LAA neck. The precise definition and morphometric details of the LAA neck presented in this study may influence the effectiveness and safety of LAA exclusion procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Batko
- HEART-Heart Embryology and Anatomy Research Team, Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
- CAROL-Cardiothoracic Anatomy Research Operative Lab, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Thoracic Research Centre, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Rafał Jakiel
- HEART-Heart Embryology and Anatomy Research Team, Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Agata Krawczyk-Ożóg
- HEART-Heart Embryology and Anatomy Research Team, Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, University Hospital in Cracow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Radosław Litwinowicz
- CAROL-Cardiothoracic Anatomy Research Operative Lab, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Thoracic Research Centre, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Regional Specialist Hospital, Grudziądz, Poland
| | - Jakub Hołda
- HEART-Heart Embryology and Anatomy Research Team, Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Stanisław Bartuś
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, University Hospital in Cracow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bartuś
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz K Hołda
- HEART-Heart Embryology and Anatomy Research Team, Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine, John Paul II Hospital in Kraków, Krakow, Poland
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Małgorzata Konieczyńska
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine, John Paul II Hospital in Kraków, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Thromboembolic Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
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Vella D, Musotto G, Cook A, Bosi GM, Burriesci G. Left atrial appendage inversion: First computational study to shed light on the phenomenon. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26629. [PMID: 38434088 PMCID: PMC10906175 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26629] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Inversion of the left atrial appendage is a rare phenomenon, which may occur during the de-airing maneuvers associated to routinely performed surgery procedures, such as cardiopulmonary bypass or left ventricular assist device implantation. In this case, the body of the inverted appendage can obstruct the mitral valve leading to severe complications. The mechanisms are still poorly known, and more specific studies are needed to better understand its causes and identify mitigating strategies. The current study attempts to gain a better comprehension of the conditions and the factors favourable to left atrial appendage inversion. Four patient specific appendage morphologies, obtained from computerised tomography and representative of the main typologies commonly used for the appendage classification (chicken wing, cactus, cauliflower, and windsock), were used for the study. The numerical models were subjected to the same loading pattern, made of subsequent different pressure curves. Results show that the morphologies invert and recover their original anatomical configuration at different pressure loads, indicating that their tendency to invert is associated to their specific morphological features. Moreover, the analysis highlights that, although restoring the physiological left atrium pressure is not sufficient to induce appendage recovery, pressures well below the ventricular ones can induce the return to the natural configuration. All models recovered the anatomical configuration at pressures well below the ventricular pressure (about 100 mmHg), suggesting that basic trans-catheter maneuvers, e.g. producing temporary mitral regurgitation, could be attempted to correct the appendage configuration, prior to opt for more invasive surgical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danila Vella
- Bioengineering Group, Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulio Musotto
- Bioengineering Group, Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrew Cook
- UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science & Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgia Maria Bosi
- UCL Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gaetano Burriesci
- Bioengineering Group, Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo, Italy
- UCL Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Bertsche D, Pfisterer M, Dahme T, Schneider LM, Metze P, Vernikouskaya I, Rasche V. MRI-based training model for left atrial appendage closure. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2023; 18:2111-2116. [PMID: 36997829 PMCID: PMC10589139 DOI: 10.1007/s11548-023-02870-w] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) reduces the risk of embolic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Thereby, the optimal transseptal puncture (TSP) site differs due to the highly variable anatomical shape of the LAA, which is rarely considered in existing training models. Based on non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumes, we propose a training model for LAA closure with interchangeable and patient-specific LAA enabling LAA-specific identification of the TSP site best suited. METHODS Based on patient-specific MRI data, silicone models of the LAAs were produced using a 3D-printed cast model. In addition, an MRI-derived 3D-printed base model was set up, including the right and left atrium with predefined passages in the septum, mimicking multiple TSP sites. The various silicone models and a tube mimicking venous access were connected to the base model. Empirical use of the model allowed the demonstration of its usability. RESULTS Patient-specific silicone models of the LAA could be generated from all LAA patient MRI datasets. The influence of various combinations regarding TSP sites and LAA shapes could be demonstrated as well as the technical functionality of the occluder system. Via the attached tube mimicking the venous access, the correct handling of the deployment catheter even in case of not optimal puncture site could be practiced. CONCLUSION The proposed contrast-agent and radiation-free MRI-based training model for percutaneous LAA closure enables the pre-interventional assessment of the influence of the TSP site on the access of patient-specific LAA shapes. A straightforward replication of this work is measured by using clinically available imaging protocols and a widespread 3D printer technique to build the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Bertsche
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mona Pfisterer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tillman Dahme
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Patrick Metze
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ina Vernikouskaya
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Volker Rasche
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.
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Chabanovska O, Lemcke H, Lang H, Vollmar B, Dohmen PM, David R, Etz C, Neßelmann C. Sarcomeric network analysis of ex vivo cultivated human atrial appendage tissue using super-resolution microscopy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13041. [PMID: 37563225 PMCID: PMC10415305 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39962-1] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigating native human cardiac tissue with preserved 3D macro- and microarchitecture is fundamental for clinical and basic research. Unfortunately, the low accessibility of the human myocardium continues to limit scientific progress. To overcome this issue, utilizing atrial appendages of the human heart may become highly beneficial. Atrial appendages are often removed during open-heart surgery and can be preserved ex vivo as living tissue with varying durability depending on the culture method. In this study, we prepared living thin myocardial slices from left atrial appendages that were cultured using an air-liquid interface system for overall 10 days. Metabolic activity of the cultured slices was assessed using a conventional methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. To monitor the structural integrity of cardiomyocytes within the tissue, we implemented our recently described super-resolution microscopy approach that allows both qualitative and quantitative in-depth evaluation of sarcomere network based on parameters such as overall sarcomere content, filament size and orientation. Additionally, expression of mRNAs coding for key structural and functional proteins was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Our findings demonstrate highly significant disassembly of contractile apparatus represented by degradation of [Formula: see text]-actinin filaments detected after three days in culture, while metabolic activity was constantly rising and remained high for up to seven days. However, gene expression of crucial cardiac markers strongly decreased after the first day in culture indicating an early destructive response to ex vivo conditions. Therefore, we suggest static cultivation of living myocardial slices derived from left atrial appendage and prepared according to our protocol only for short-termed experiments (e.g. medicinal drug testing), while introduction of electro-mechanical stimulation protocols may offer the possibility for long-term integrity of such constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandra Chabanovska
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, Rostock University, 18059, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Heiko Lemcke
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, Rostock University, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hermann Lang
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Pascal M Dohmen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - Robert David
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell therapy (RTC), Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
- Department of Life, Light, and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, Rostock University, 18059, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Christian Etz
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Catharina Neßelmann
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18059, Rostock, Germany
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Kuniewicz M, Karkowski G, Gosnell M, Goncerz G, Badacz R, Rajs T, Legutko J. Anatomical and electrophysiological localization of ganglionated plexi using high-density 3D CARTO mapping system. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN ANATOMY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tria.2022.100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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