Numerical simulation of pulsatile blood flow in the human left ventricle

Objective: On behalf of computational fluid dynamics intracardiac flow shall be simulated to identify flow patterns and resulting energy loss with respect to different ventricular geometries. Methods: After acquisition of individual MRI-data, time-related geometry of the left heart chambers is generated by segmentation, post-processing and modelling. The coupling to a simplified model of planar heart valves with spatially varying resistance and a preformed aorta completes the numeric flow model. Physiological boundary conditions such as pre- and afterload are given by a simplified circulation model. A validation experiment is performed using a silicone ventricle created on basis of the same MRI data. In the experimental setup flow patterns are described with laser doppler measurements. Methodical influences are revealed by comparing the numerical simulation with MRI-flow measurements. Results: The developed method of simulating intracardiac blood flow gives a new fundament to understand the impact of different ventricular geometries respectively pathomorphologies on intraventricular blood flow. It is for the first time possible to simulate the asymmetric redirection in the left atrium and ventricle as described on the basis of MRI flow measurements. Conclusion: In contrast to medical flow imaging numerical simulation enables us to perform intraventricular energy estimations. Future aspects comprise a therapy planning system enabling us to compare different therapeutic strategies influencing the ventricular geometry.