A numerical study of a left ventricular expander for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Autor: Jonathan Weissmann, Yllan Charles Benoliel, Choon Hwai Yap, Gil Marom
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Royal Society Open Science, Vol 10, Iss 7 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2054-5703
DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230142
Popis: Increased cardiac stiffness hinders proper left ventricular (LV) expansion, resulting in decreased volume and diastolic dysfunction. LV expanders are spring-like devices designed to improve diastolic function by facilitating mechanical outward expansion. Implantations in animals and humans have shown promising results, yet further evaluation is needed to assess a range of functions and the risk of use. In this computational study, the effectiveness and potential use of a generic LV expander were assessed by using previously generated finite-element models of induced heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Following implantation, the treated models were compared to the corresponding untreated and healthy pre-induction models. The influence of device orientation and its material properties was also examined. Our results demonstrated a reduction in LV pressure and a volumetric improvement. Computed LV stresses have shown no gross irregularities. The device contributed to stress elevation during diastole while having a minor effect during systole, supporting a basic safety profile. This is the first study to use numerical analysis to assess LV expanders' performance on different HFpEF phenotypes. Improvement in heart function was demonstrated in both subjects, suggesting its potential use in various HFpEF manifestations, yet customization and optimal deployment are essential to improve heart performance.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals