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Aortic arch hypoplasia (AAH) is a congenital heart disease characterized by the underdevelopment of the aortic arch, often occurring alongside coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and other congenital heart defects. Surgical repair typically involves proximal arch reconstruction using patch augmentation. However, recurrent coarctation occurs in up to 30% of patients, often requiring reintervention within the first year of life. This highlights the need for improved, patient-specific strategies that optimize aortic arch geometry and postoperative hemodynamic performance.

In this project, we use computational modeling to better understand and predict the outcomes of different surgical patch repair strategies. We develop computational fluid dynamics (CFD), fluid-structure interaction (FSI), and fluid-solid-growth (FSG) models applied to both idealized geometries and patient-specific geometries obtained from medical imaging data.

CFD models have been widely used to evaluate the severity of CoA, inform preoperative planning, assess surgical outcomes, and quantify hemodynamic markers such as velocity fields, pressure drops, and wall shear stress. However, these models assume rigid walls and neglect the dynamic interaction between blood flow and vessel mechanics.

FSI simulations, on the other hand, couple blood flow dynamics with the mechanical response of the vessel wall and surgical patch. Because reconstructed aortic arches exhibit heterogeneous material behavior (compliant native tissue versus stiff patch), FSI provides a more realistic representation of postoperative biomechanics than CFD alone. Using these models, we aim to identify optimal patch design parameters, such as shape, size, placement, and material properties, that minimize adverse hemodynamic and biomechanical markers associated with recoarctation.

The goal of this project is to enable personalized surgical patch planning for neonatal aortic arch reconstruction. We aim to reduce the incidence of recurrent coarctation, prevent the need for reintervention, and improve the quality of life for these vulnerable patients. This work is carried out in close collaboration with the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital (UMC Utrecht).

(Children鈥檚 Heart Centre, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht)

(Children鈥檚 Heart Centre, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht)