Author(s)

G. Dubini, R. Pietrabissa, P.M. Montevecchi, P. Migliavacca & M.R. de Leval

Abstract

Total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is an operation commonly performed to repair some complex congenital heart defects. It consists in connecting the superior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery and in constructing a composite intraatrial tunnel connecting the inferior vena cava to the right pulmonary artery, as well. In order to clarify the local fluid dynamics in the newly created circuit, a 3-D computational model of the TCPC has been developed, using the Finite Element Method. In particular, different TCPC configurations have been studied which correspond to differently located caval anastomoses. Different patterns for secondary flows in the two outlet (pulmonary) branches have bee

Keywords