Development of a computational fluid dynamics model of the left atrium in atrial fibrillation on a patient specific basis

Abstract

Atrial Fibrillation is associated with a five-fold increase in the risk of cerebrovascular events, being responsible of 15-18 % of all strokes. The morphological and functional remodeling of the left atrium caused by atrial fibrillation favors blood stasis and, consequently, stroke risk. In this context, several clinical studies suggest that stroke risk stratification could be improved by using hemodynamic information on the left atrium and the left atrial appendage. The goal of this study was therefore to develop a patient-specific computational fluid dynamics model of the left atrium which may help quantify the hemodynamic implications of atrial fibrillation on a patient-specific basis. In this paper, we present the developed model as well as its application to one AF patient as a preliminary step forward towards an optimized stroke risk stratification and therapy delivery.