BLOOD FLOW DYNAMICS IN IDEALIZED MODEL OF LEFT ATRIUM USING FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, are a global health concern, necessitating advancements in non-invasive diagnostic tools and treatments. Computational modeling offers an invaluable approach to simulate and understand the intricacies of cardiac flow dynamics. This study aims to identify critical blood flow properties in the left atrium, a crucial component of the heart responsible for receiving oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumping it into the left ventricle. Building on previous work, this project implemented an idealized model of the left atrium using Finite Element Method (FEM) and simulated various properties related to its geometry, revealing crucial aspects of fluid dynamics. Specifically, analysis revealed a U-shaped inflow profile, pressure variations due to flow jets and presence of vortices, asymmetrical outflow due to differences in pulmonary vein geometry, and the presence of longitudinal vortex structures within the atrium. These properties can provide valuable insights about the blood flow in a healthy heart. This research presents a foundation for future work aiming to integrate models of the left ventricle and left atrium, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the left heart's functionality and potential pathologies. Further studies should focus on in-depth analysis, extension and validation of these properties using real patient data to enhance their diagnostic potential.