Thrombogenesis and Hemodynamics in Left Atrium Under Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia increasing the risk of stroke in five-fold. Improving knowledge at its development and prevention is crucial for AF patient management. This study aimed to predict the thrombogenesis in left atrium (LA) under AF by a multi-physics approach coupling a 3D transient profile of realistic electrophysiological activity, oscillatory mechanical effects and a biochemical model for thrombogenesis. The local mechanical effects from detailed AF activity disturbed the blood flow pattern, resulting in pro-thrombotic zones in left atrial appendage apex, in contrast with simplified AF model (rigid walls), that could lead to overestimation of pro-thrombotic zones.