Effect of Fixed Position on Critical Performance of Aortic Valve in Vitro Testing

Abstract

Objective — To determine the optimal fixation position by studying the effect of valve and valve fixation position on the key performance during in vitro hydrodynamic testing. Methods — Two self-expanding transcatheter aortic valves were fixed in three different ring positions, tested according to ISO 5840 standard method, and the key performance results were compared and analyzed. Results — When the fixed position of valve and valve ring was aligned with the bottom edge, the mean arterial pressure and regurgitant fraction were the smallest and the effective orifice area was larger. Conclusion — The fixed position of the valve and valve ring has a certain influence on the key performance of the hydrodynamic testing during in vitro testing. The lower fixed position will lead to the smaller effective orifice area. The higher fixed position will lead to the higher regurgitant fraction. Therefore, the optimal fixed position should be determined before the in vitro testing of the aortic valve.