Finite Element Simulations of Comprehensive Mitral Valve Model

Abstract

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is an increasingly prevalent disorder of the heart in which the mitral valve (MV) does not close properly causing blood to flow backward (leak) into the upper heart chamber when the left lower heart chamber contracts. MR is the most common type of heart valve insufficiency, often requiring open-heart surgical repair. After age 55, some degree of MR is found in almost 20% of men and women. MV repair is considered superior to mitral valve replacement, and there are many surgical techniques utilized to address differing pathologies. One approach to assess the effects of pathology and proposed surgical repair is to utilize a computational model, in which pathologic or surgical alterations can be assessed systematically. However, current models are limited by assumptions related to geometry and material properties and importantly, none have been validated with detailed experimental data. In the present work, an advanced fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model of the MV system is utilized without the limitation of geometry and material properties. This model allows analysis of the valve in the normal, diseased, or repaired states.