Developing a computer model to predict heart clots in atrial fibrillation

Engineering analysis of the left atrial appendage to prevent thromboembolic events

BHF Immediate Postdoctoral Basic Science Research Fellow Georgia Bosi is developing a new computer model that will help us understand why blood clots form in atrial fibrillation and what treatments work best. Arrhythmias happen when the heart’s normal rhythm becomes disturbed, and they can be life-threatening. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that predisposes to blood clots forming in the atria (the upper chamber of the heart), often in a region called the left atrial appendage, a finger like structure about 2 to 4 cm long. Usually people with AF take drugs to prevent clots forming in the atria, but some people can’t tolerate anticlotting therapy, and alternatives may include surgery to remove the atrial appendage. We don’t understand exactly how clots form at the atrial appendage or how best to prevent this happening. During her fellowship, Dr Bosi will investigate how and why clots form in this area of the heart. She will develop personalised 3D computer models based on medical images taken of people’s hearts. Using these models, she will study the shape of the left atrial appendage and understand the relationship between its shape, blood flow and clot formation. The computer model will also be a non-invasive, virtual tool for doctors to test which treatment is most likely to benefit an individual patient.