Steady and pulsatile flow studies on a trileaflet heart valve prosthesis.

Abstract

The need for better and longer lasting trileaflet valves has led to the design and development of the ABIOMED polymeric trileaflet valve prosthesis. In vitro fluid dynamic studies in the aortic position indicate that overall it has improved leaflet motion characteristics and pressure drop characteristics compared to the Carpentier-Edwards porcine and Ionescu-Shiley pericardial tissue valves in current clinical use. The ABIOMED valve is, however, more stenotic compared to the St. Jude and Medtronic-Hall low profile mechanical valves, at normal cardiac outputs. Steady and pulsatile flow velocity measurements with a laser-Doppler anemometer system indicate that the flow field downstream of the ABIOMED valve is jet-like and leads to elevated shear stresses. These shear stresses are, however, lower than those observed with the Ionescu-Shiley and Carpentier-Edwards tissue valves. The ABIOMED valves tested had been originally configured for use in valved conduits, and it is therefore our opinion that further improvements can be made to the valve and stent design which would enhance its fluid dynamic performance.