The biomechanical effect of the O-A angle on the aortic valve under left ventricular assist device support: a primary fluid-structure interaction study.

Background: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has been widely used as an alternative treatment for heart failure, however, aortic regurgitation is a common complication in patients with LVAD support. And the O-A angle (the angle between LVAD outflow graft and the aorta) is considered as a vital factor associated with the function of aortic valve. To date, the biomechanical effect of the O-A angle on the aortic valve remains largely unknown.