Publications by authors named "Maria Vittoria Caruso"

Purpose: Hemodynamics has a key role in atheropathogenesis. Indeed, atherosclerotic phenomena occur in vessels characterized by complex geometry and flow pattern, like the carotid bifurcation. Moreover, lifestyle is a significant risk factor.

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Intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) is used as temporary mechanical assistance in case of cardiovascular diseases, even if different hemodynamic problems and, thus, clinical complications may happen, such as the decrease of visceral perfusion. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) study was carried out to investigate the effects of different IABP-induced abdominal occlusions on patient-specific aortic flow. Two possible sizes (25 and 34 cm) and two locations (2 and 3 cm) of the balloon were compared, modeling four abdominal occlusions and numerically reproducing IAB inflation/deflation behavior.

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Purpose: The extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a temporary, but prolonged circulatory support for cardiopulmonary failure. Clinical evidence suggests that pulsed flow is healthier than non pulsatile perfusion. The aim of this study was to computationally evaluate the effects of total and partial ECMO assistance and pulsed flow on hemodynamics in a patient-specific aorta model.

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Article Synopsis
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious heart problem that can lead to heart attacks and is a common cause of death in western countries.
  • The study looked at different shapes of narrowed arteries (called stenosis) and how they affect blood flow in the heart.
  • It was found that an elliptical shape is the worst for blood flow, while a parabolic shape is better, but the size of the opening (lumen) is the most important factor in how blood flows.
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Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are mechanical supports used in case of heart failure. Little is known as the height of the anastomosis in aorta might influence the hemodynamic. The aim of the study was to evaluate the fluid dynamic behavior due to the outflow graft placement of a continuous flow LVAD in ascending aorta and to identify the insertion site with the best hemodynamic profile.

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