A coupled 3D-0D model to study blood flow in aortic arch during use of intra-aortic balloon pump

In-vivo measurements of velocity in main aortic branches during intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) present some limitations. The aim of this study is to investigate hemodynamic parameters with and without IABP by using a CFD model of aorta coupled with a lumped parameter model of the downstream domains. Time-varying pressure waveform at ascending aorta was considered as input data and for all outlets, resis- tance values were estimated. A quasi-steady simulation at systolic peak and mid-diastole was implemented to analyze blood flow and pressure at ascending aorta, all epiaortic vessels and both iliac arteries with and without IABP. A mean decrease of 9% of both pressure and flow in ascending aorta and in all branches was observed in systole during IABP assistance. Conversely, a mean increase of 39.6% in pressure and 41% in flow were observed in diastole. Our model confirms the hypothesis of the increased organ perfu- sion during IABP assistance in diastole. Our findings may be helpful to improve IABP design and perfor- mance and to stress the idea of IABP as the first line he- modynamic support in heart failure. Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate hemodynamic parameters with and without IABP by using a CFD model of aorta coupled with a lumped pa- rameter model of the down- stream domains.Our model confirms the hypothesis of the increased organ perfu- sion during IABP assistance in diastole.