Abstract #4435

4D MRI Flow Analysis in an In-Vitro System Modelling Continuous Left Ventricular Support: Effect of Cannula Position in the Thoracic Aorta

Christoph Benk¹, Alexander Mauch¹, Friedhelm Beyersdorf¹, Rolf Klemm¹, Jan G. Korvink², Michael Markl³, Bernd A. Jung⁴

¹Dept. of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany; ²IMTEK Department of Microsystems Engineering, Laboratory for Simulation, Albert-Ludwigs University, Freiburg, Germany; ³Dept. of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; ⁴Dept. of Radiology, Medical Physics, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) has become an important treatment option for heart failure patients. However, altered blood flow patterns are suspected to affect perfusion in the aorta or cause structural changes leading to valve dysfunction or thrombus formation. An MR-compatible model system was developed consisting of an aorta connected to a LVAD simulating the pulsatile flow of the native heart. An LVAD was connected to the aorta model using different cannula positions and flow patterns were evaluated in predefined positions. The results indicate that the cannula position strongly influence flow patterns and flow rates in the aorta.