Hemodynamic evaluation of Norwood arch geometry compared to native arch controls

Abstract Background: The Norwood procedure creates a reconstructed neo-aorta to provide unobstructed systemic cardiac output (CO) for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) patients. We used patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations incorporating physiologic boundary conditions to quantify hemodynamics for reconstructed aortic arch geometries versus native aortic arches from a control group of single ventricle patients. We hypothesized that reconstructed arches from Norwood patients (n=5) would experience significant differences in time-averaged wall shear stress normalized to body surface area (TAWSSnBSA), oscillatory shear index (OSI), energy efficiency (E eff ), and energy loss (EL) versus controls (n=3). Methods: CFD simulations were conducted using 3T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), blood flow and pressure data. Simulations incorporated downstream vascular resistance and compliance to replicate patient physiology. TAWSSnBSA and OSI were quantified longitudinally and circumferentially. Global differences in E eff and EL were compared. Significance was assessed by Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Norwood patients had higher TAWSSnBSA distal to the transverse arch (TA) at locations of residual narrowing presenting following coarctation correction, as well as higher OSI within ascending aorta (AAo) and TA regions (p<0.05). EL correlated with patient features including cardiac output (r=0.9) and BT-shunt resistance (r=-0.63) but did not correlate with arch measurements or morphology. Conclusions: These results indicate reconstructed arches from Norwood patients are exposed to altered WSS and energy indices linked to cellular proliferation and inefficiency in prior studies. These results may help clinicians further understand what constitutes an optimally reconstructed arch after confirmation in larger studies.