A 3D-0D Computational Model of the Left Ventricle for Investigating Blood Flow Patterns for Cases of Systolic Anterior Motion and after Anterior Mitral Leaflet Splitting

Abstract

Valvular heart conditions significantly contribute to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, affecting around 2–3 million people in the United States. The anatomical characteristics of cardiac muscles and valves can significantly influence blood flow patterns inside the ventricles. Understanding the interaction between the mitral valve and left ventricle structures enables using fluid–structure interaction simulations as a precise and user-friendly approach to investigating outcomes that cannot be captured using experimental approaches. This study aims to develop a 3D-0D computational model to simulate the consequences of extending the anterior mitral leaflet towards the left ventricle in the presence of the thickness of the left ventricular septum and the mitral valve device. The simulations presented in this paper successfully showcased the ability of the model to replicate occlusion occurring at the left ventricular outflow tract and illustrated the impact of this blockage on the flow pattern and pressure gradient. Furthermore, these simulations conducted following anterior mitral leaflet splitting can emphasize the significance of this technique in reducing the obstruction at the left ventricle outflow tract. The computational model presented in this study, combining 3D and 0D elements, provides significant insights into the flow patterns occurring in the left ventricle before and after anterior leaflet splitting. Thus, expanding this model can help explore other cardiac phenomena and investigate potential post-procedural complications.