TITLE:

FLUID DYNAMICS OF THE HEART AND AORTA WITH LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICES (LVADS) (No. 55)

DATE:

Friday, September 17th, 2004

TIME:

3:30 PM

LOCATION:

GMCS 214

SPEAKER:

Karen May-Newman, Department of of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University

ABSTRACT:

Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) are mechanical pumps used to improve or replace the function of the failing heart. Until recently, these devices have been used primarily as a ?bridge to transplantation? in patients with end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF). Previously the only long-term option for CHF patients was transplant, however, results of the recent REMATCH trial and other studies advocate the use of LVADs as permanent implants, providing welcome news to thousands of patients. The LVADs are surgically connected to the apex of the left ventricle (inflow conduit) and the aorta (outflow conduit). In general, integrating a blood-contacting device with the human body increases the risk of thrombus formation and stroke, which is often related to the fluid dynamics. This is particularly true with LVADs, as they usually attach to the aorta proximal to the arteries that supply blood to the brain. Therefore, it is critical to understand and minimize flow abnormalities in the native heart and aorta in order to maximize the safety and efficacy of LVADs.

Our laboratory uses a combination of clinical, experimental and computational studies to investigate the fluid dynamics of the cardiovascular system in patients with LVADs in an effort to develop improved surgical implantation techniques, as well as design and control modifications for pump manufacturers. The project is a collaboration with cardiac surgeon Dr. Walter Dembitsky of Sharp Memorial Hospital and cardiologist Dr. Brian Jaski of the San Diego Cardiac Center. Together they care for the largest population of LVAD patients in the San Diego area. This project is funded by the National Science Foundation, the San Diego Foundation, and Micromed.

HOST:

Paul Paolini

DOWNLOAD: