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Abstract #3696

3D Flow Characteristics in Ventricular Assist Devices: Impact of Valve Geometry and Operating Conditions

Christoph Benk1, Ramona Lorenz2, Jürgen Hennig2,3, Friedhelm Beyersdorf1, Jan G. Korvink, 3,4, Michael Markl2

1Dept. of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany; 2Dept. of Diagnostic Radiology, Medical Physics, University Hospital, Freiburg, Germany; 3FRIAS, Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany; 4Laboratory for Simulation, IMTEK - Institute of Microsystem Technology, Freiburg, Germany


The use of paracorporeal ventricular assist devices (PVAD) has become a well-established procedure for patients with cardiogenic shock or who need biventricular support. However, implantation of Ventricular assist devices (VADs) is often associated with severe complications such as thrombosis inside the VAD and subsequent embolic events. It was therefore the purpose of this study to use flow sensitive 4D MRI for a detailed analysis of local and global 3D flow dynamics in a clinical routine VAD to study the effect of different system adjustments and valve designs on flow patterns.

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