Abstract
Patients with aortic valve disease can suffer from valve insufficiency after valve repair surgery due to aortic root dilatation. The paper investigates the effect of valve height (Hv) on the aortic valve opening and closing in order to select the appropriate range of Hv for smoother blood flow through the aortic valve and valve closure completely in the case of continuous aortic root dilatation. A total of 20 parameterized three-dimensional models of the aortic root were constructed following clinical surgical guidance. Aortic annulus diameter (DAA) was separately set to 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 mm to simulate aortic root dilatation. HV value was separately set to 13.5, 14, 14.5, and 15 mm to simulate aortic valve alterations in surgery. Time-varying pressure loads were applied to the valve, vessel wall of the ascending aorta, and left ventricle. Then, finite element analysis software was employed to simulate the movement and mechanics of the aortic root. The feasible design range of the valve size was evaluated using maximum stress, geometric orifice area (GOA), and leaflet contact force. The results show that the valve was incompletely closed when HV was 13.5 mm and DAA was 29 or 30 mm. The GOA of the valve was small when HV was 15 mm and DAA was 26 or 27 mm. The corresponding values of the other models were within the normal range. Compared with the model with an HV of 14 mm, the model with an HV of 14.5 mm could effectively reduce maximum stress and had relatively larger GOA and less change in contact force. As a result, valve height affects the performance of aortic valve opening and closing. Smaller HV is adapted to smaller DAA and vice versa. When HV is 14.5 mm, the valve is well adapted to the dilatation of the aortic root to enhance repair durability. Therefore, more attention should be paid to HV in surgical planning.
Highlights
The aortic root consists of the sinuses of Valsalva, aortic valve, aortic annulus (AA), aorto-ventricular junction, and sinotubular junction (David, 2013)
Since this study mainly focused on simulation results of the sutured and free edges of the aortic valve, the meshes of these parts were all divided into neat triangular elements in order to smooth the deformed surface and determine the stress–strain relationship of the aortic valve as accurate as possible
This study has shown that aortic annulus diameter and valve height are important factors influencing the performance of aortic valve closure, especially with regard to valve repair operation
Summary
The aortic root consists of the sinuses of Valsalva, aortic valve, aortic annulus (AA), aorto-ventricular junction, and sinotubular junction (David, 2013). The aortic valve controls unidirectional blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta by performing a regular opening and closing movement with contraction and relaxation of the heart. Aortic valve insufficiency (AI) and aortic stenosis (AS) represent the most common aortic valve diseases (Alkhodari and Fraiwan, 2021; Wazaren et al, 2021; Zhang et al, 2021). AI causes the blood to flow back into the left. Numerical Simulation of Aortic Valve ventricle, leading to left ventricular dysfunction and even diastolic heart failure. As for AS, patients with moderate to severe AS can develop obstruction of the left ventricular output and reduction in cardiac output, which may cause myocardial insufficiency, angina pectoris, and even sudden death. It is essential to guarantee a normal function of the aortic valve
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
