Numerical simulation of a self-powered Fontan based on venturi effect / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

ABSTRACT

@#Objective    To investigate the effects of a self-powered conduit in different patients’ models who underwent extracardiac Fontan procedure. Methods    Four children who underwent extracardiac Fontan procedure in Shanghai Children's Medical Center from 2011 to 2017 year were selected. Venae cavae and pulmonary arteries were reconstructed using Mimics 19.0®. In silico, a venturi conduit was introduced to the anastomosis of venae cavae and pulmonary artery. Then computational fluid dynamics simulation was performed using patients’ clinical data. Results    When inferior venae cavae were directly to or to the left of superior venae cavae, the venturi conduit could assist the return of venous blood and reduce the pressures of venae cavae about 0.5 mm Hg. And the pressure differences between venae cavae and pulmonary arteries were about –0.7 mm Hg, which suggested that the conduit could generate right ventricle-like effect. Conclusion    The venturi conduit can reduce the pressure of venae cavae, increase pulmonary circulation flow and improve Fontan hemodynamics.