Article Impact Level: HIGH Data Quality: STRONG Summary of Scientific Reports, 14(1), 5860. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56658-2 Jordi Mill et al.
Points
- The study investigates the complex relationship between left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology, blood flow patterns, and thrombus formation in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.
- 130 patients underwent computational fluid dynamics simulations, representing the largest cohort of patient-specific LA fluid simulations reported.
- Analysis of various parameters, including pulmonary vein orientation and configuration, LAA and LA volumes, flow, and mass-less particles, revealed the total number of particles within the LAA as a critical parameter for distinguishing between thrombus and non-thrombus groups.
- The study highlighted the pivotal role of pulmonary vein configuration and LAA-PV alignment in influencing blood flow patterns and the risk of thrombus formation.
- Findings provide valuable insights into the intricate relationship between pulmonary vein configuration, LAA morphology, and thrombus formation, contributing to a better understanding of AF-related thromboembolic complications.
Summary
The study delves into the intricate relationship between left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology, blood flow patterns, and thrombus formation in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, with a particular focus on the influence of anatomical structures such as the pulmonary veins (PVs). By conducting computational fluid dynamics simulations on 130 patients, the research represents the largest cohort of patient-specific LA fluid simulations reported. The investigation encompassed a comprehensive analysis of various parameters, including pulmonary vein orientation and configuration, LAA and LA volumes, flow, and mass-less particles. Notably, the total number of particles within the LAA emerged as a critical parameter for distinguishing between the thrombus and non-thrombus groups, shedding light on the risk of thrombus formation.
Furthermore, the study revealed that the angles between the different PVs play a pivotal role in determining the flow entering the LAA and, consequently, the risk of thrombus formation. Specifically, the alignment between the LAA and the main direction of the left superior pulmonary vein, as well as the position of the right pulmonary vein when it exhibits greater inclination, were found to impact the differentiation between the control group and the thrombus group. These insights underscore the significance of comprehensive blood flow pattern analyses in understanding the complex interplay between PV configuration, LAA morphology, and thrombus formation in AF patients.
In summary, the research contributes to addressing the gaps in understanding the relation between LAA morphology, blood patterns, and clot formation, particularly in the context of the impact of PVs. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of PV configuration and LAA-PV alignment in influencing blood flow patterns and thrombus formation risk, providing valuable insights for furthering our understanding of AF-related thromboembolic complications.
Link to the article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-56658-2
References Mill, J., Harrison, J., Saiz-Vivo, M., Albors, C., Morales, X., Olivares, A. L., Iriart, X., Cochet, H., Noailly, J., Sermesant, M., & Camara, O. (2024). The role of the pulmonary veins on left atrial flow patterns and thrombus formation. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 5860. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56658-2
