Numerical study of Flow dynamics at the Total cavopulmonary connection junction.

Patients having effective single ventricle is commonly managed by cavopulmonary connection(TCPC) surgical procedure which is evolved from Fontan operation. Total cavopulmonary connection junction is formed by two inlets (SVC and IVC) and two outlets (right and left pulmonary arteries) going to the lungs. The flow dynamics at this surgically created junction is determined by its components and their geometric characteristics.

In this study numerical analyses are carried out for the geometric configurations wherein SVC and IVC are connected without any offset between them. The variables in this study are (1) unequal velocities in SVC and IVC, (2) unequal pulmonary outlet pressure boundary conditions causing unequal blood flow to the lungs and (3) co-planar and non co-planner arrangement of SVC, IVC, RPA and LPA. The vessels are modeled as rigid tube. Power law model is used for blood.

This study provides information about flow abnormalities unique to the geometric variation of the total cardiopulmonary connection. This information provides guidelines for the surgical decision making. The simulation has also lead to development of passive flow control devices to correct the flow distribution to the lungs and reduce the energy loss in the TCPC.