New Findings in Left Ventricular Assist Device Described from San Diego State University (Aortic Root Vortex Formation During Left Ventricular Assist Device Support).

A recent study conducted at San Diego State University has found that the formation of a vortex in the aortic sinus is crucial for optimizing blood flow in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The researchers used a mock circulatory loop combined with an LVAD to visualize vortex formation in an experimental model of the aortic root. They discovered that maintaining intermittent aortic valve opening is important for LVAD patients, as disruption of the vortex can lead to flow stagnation and thrombus formation. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of blood flow during LVAD support and highlights the need for further investigation in this area. [Extracted from the article]