Influence of LVAD Cannula Outflow Graft Flow Rate and Location on Fluid-Particle Interactions and Thrombi Distribution: A Primary Numerical Study

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) supports hemodynamics in heart failure patients. To deepen the understanding of hemodynamic changes and the movement of thrombi in the aorta, we examined three distinct LVAD blood flow rates across two implantation sites using the theory of computational fluid dynamics. Our findings revealed the complex dynamics of blood flow during cardiac systole under various scenarios. We also analyzed thrombi residence time and flow probabilities into aortic branches. Simulation results indicate that thrombi distribution in the aorta is significantly influenced by the location of the LVAD outflow graft and the flow rate. When the LVAD outflow graft is implanted into the ascending aorta, higher flow rates may reduce the risk of cerebral thrombosis. However, lower flow rates may reduce the risk of cerebral thrombosis while it is implanted into the descending aorta. The study may offer valuable insights into the LVAD implantation about the risk of cerebrovascular embolism.