CFD Analysis of Repaired Coarctation of the Aorta

This project focuses on modeling aortic arches of those who had procedures due to Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) which is defined by a stenosis of the descending thoracic aorta (DAo). CoA is a congenital heart defect that occurs in newborns and results in the narrowing of the aortic arch. This defect impacts approximately 6-8% of the population and if left untreated, other serious heart conditions can arise later in life. Current clinical guidelines recommend intervention when there is significant aortic narrowing, and when a significant pressure gradient is measured during cardiac catheterization. Patients with CoA remain at high risk of long-term morbidity due to complications including increased mortality, hypertension, stroke, and decreased exercise capacity.

Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a branch of mechanics that creates simulations for a variety of applications. CFD can be used to understand the flow and pressure patterns in geometries of patients with CoA by accurately modeling the patients aortic arch for velocity gradients, pressure gradients, and flow fields to fully understand how the geometry and repairs to the geometry effect patients. CFD is a useful tool in medical applications and can be used to study the flow patterns within the human body. In our project specifically, we use CFD to predict the flow behavior within aortic arches that had surgery due to CoA. We compare the flow within these repaired arches to those with normal geometries to enable better analysis. Under an IRB (Internal Review Board) approved study, clinical data was supplied by the University of Rochester Medical Center. This data included aortic arch anatomy, flow data, and heart rates from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies, as well as blood pressures from outpatient visits. ANSYS fluent, a commercial CFD software package, was used to analyze velocity streamlines, cross sections, pressure, and wall shear contours within each arch. All simulations were conducted with normal blood parameters for density and viscosity and governed using the Continuity and Navier-Stokes equations.

Through the examination of velocity, pressure, and wall shear contours, we can analyze blood flow simulations through repaired arches. Our main goal with this project is to accurately depict a model of the aortic arch with CFD and eventually use this information to contribute to better surgical procedures in the future.