Stress variations in the human aortic root and valve : The role of anatomic asymmetry

The asymmetry of the aortic valve and aortic root may influence their biomechanics, yet was not considered in previous valve models. This study developed an anatomically representative model to evaluate the regional stresses of the valve within the root environment. A finite-element model was create...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of biomedical engineering 1998-07, Vol.26 (4), p.534-545
Main Authors: GRANDE, K. J, COCHRAN, R. P, REINHALL, P. G, KUNZELMAN, K. S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Animals
Aortic Valve - anatomy & histology
Aortic Valve - physiology
Asymmetry
Biological and medical sciences
Biomechanical Phenomena
Biomedical Engineering
Bioprosthesis
Cardiovascular system
Elasticity
Female
Finite element analysis
Heart Valve Prosthesis
Humans
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Investigative techniques of hemodynamics
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Medical sciences
Models, Anatomic
Models, Cardiovascular
Prosthesis Design
Sinuses
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Summary:The asymmetry of the aortic valve and aortic root may influence their biomechanics, yet was not considered in previous valve models. This study developed an anatomically representative model to evaluate the regional stresses of the valve within the root environment. A finite-element model was created from magnetic-resonance images of nine human valve-root specimens, carefully preserving their asymmetry. Regional thicknesses and anisotropic material properties were assigned to higher-order elastic shell elements representing the valve and root. After diastolic pressurization, peak principal stresses were evaluated for the right, left, and noncoronary leaflets and root walls. Valve stresses were highest in the noncoronary leaflet (538 kPa vs right 473 kPa vs left 410 kPa); peak stresses were located at the free margin and belly near the coaptation surfaces (averages 537 and 482 kPa for all leaflets, respectively). Right and noncoronary sinus stresses were 21% and 10% greater than the left sinus. In all sinuses, stresses near the annulus were higher than near the sinotubular junction. Stresses vary across the valve and root, likely due to their inherent morphologic asymmetry and stress sharing. These factors may influence bioprosthetic valve durability and the incidence of isolated sinus dilatation.
ISSN:0090-6964
1573-9686
DOI:10.1114/1.122