MRI and CT Image-Fusion Based Aorta and Coronary Artery Model for In-Silico Feasibility Evaluation of Perfusion With an Ascending Aortic Pump, Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are mechanical pumps that provide full or partial support of the circulation in patients with varying degrees of heart failure (HF). This simulation study explores the hemodynamic effects of a continuous flow pump deployed in the Ascending Aorta (AAo) specifically focusing on: (a) perfusion of the coronary arterial circulation and (b) the effect of induced non-physiologic, swirling flow discharged by the pump on perfusion to head-neck vessels of the aortic arch.