Use of mathematical modeling to compare and predict hemodynamic effects between hybrid and surgical Norwood palliations for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Combining bilateral pulmonary artery banding with arterial duct stenting, the hybrid approach achieves stage 1 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome with different flow characteristics than those after the surgical Norwood procedures. Accordingly, we used computational modeling to assess some of these differences, including influence on systemic and cerebral oxygen deliveries.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A 3-dimensional computational model of hybrid palliation was developed by the finite volume method, along with models of the Norwood operation with a modified Blalock-Tausig or right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt. Hybrid circulation was modeled with a 7-mm ductal stent and bilateral pulmonary artery banding to a 2-mm diameter. A 3.5-mm conduit was used in the Blalock-Tausig shunt model, whereas a 5-mm conduit was used in the right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt model. Coupled to all the models was an identical hydraulic network that described the entire circulatory system based on pre-stage 2 hemodynamics. This clinically validated multiscale approach predicts flow dynamics, as well as global cardiac output, mixed venous oxygen saturation, and systemic and cerebral oxygen delivery. Compared with either of the Norwood models, the hybrid palliation had higher pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio and lower cardiac output. Total systemic oxygen delivery was markedly reduced in the hybrid palliation (Blalock-Tausig shunt 591, right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery shunt 640, and hybrid 475 mL · min(-1) · m(-2)). Cerebral oxygen delivery was similarly lower in the hybrid palliation.

CONCLUSIONS: These computational results suggest that the hybrid approach may provide inferior systemic and cerebral oxygen deliveries compared with either of the 2 surgical Norwood procedures before stage 2 palliation.