ECCOMAS 2024

On the Modeling of Left Atrial Appendage Inversion: a Reverse Growth Analysis

  • Scuoppo, Roberta (Università degli Studi di Palermo)
  • Pasta, Salvatore (Università degli Studi di Palermo)

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The study investigates the potential of left atrial appendage inversion (LAAI) as a novel technique for reducing the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Patient-specific finite element analysis simulations of LAAI were performed on four distinct LAA morphologies: chicken wing, cactus, windsock, and cauliflower. The simulations showed that LAAI can induce tissue resorption in the inverted appendage, which can effectively occlude the atrium appendage and reduce the risk of thrombolytic events. The study also developed a stress-growth model that can predict the rate of tissue resorption over time as compressive tensile stress gradually relaxes in the inverted LAA. These findings suggest that LAAI may be a promising alternative to current surgical and percutaneous occlusion methods for reducing the risk of thromboembolic events in patients with AF.