Comparative Fluid –Structure Interaction Analysis of Polymeric Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valves' Hemodynamics and Structural Mechanics

This study compares the polymeric SAVR valve's hemodynamic performance and mechanical stresses to a new version of the valve—specifically designed for TAVR. Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) mo dels were utilized and the valves' hemodynamics, flexural stresses, strains, orifice area, and wall shear stresses (WSS) were compared. The TAVR valve had 42% larger opening area and 27% higher flow rate versus the SAVR valve, while WSS distribution and mechanical stress magnitudes were of the same order, demonstrating the enhanced performance of the TAVR valve prototype. The TAVR valve FSI simulation and Vivitro pulse duplicator experiments were compared in terms of the leaflets' kinematics and the effective orifice area. The numerical methodology presented can be further used as a predictive tool for valve design optimization for enhanced hemodynamics and durability.
Source: Journal of Biomechanical Engineering - Category: Biomedical Engineering Source Type: research