CFD Simulation of a Novel Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve Prosthesis - An Estimation of the Venturi Passage Formed by the Leaflets

The effect of contact geometry and component compliance on the magnitude, distribution, and state of various types of stresses on a bileaflet mechanical heart valve prosthesis during valve closure was analyzed using an Edwards-Duromedics™ mitral valve as example. Static and dynamic stresses developing on both the leaflet and pivot ball during valve closure were modeled using finite element analysis (FEA). Uniform contact between the leaflet and housing as well as between the pivot ball and pivot slot can significantly reduce both static and dynamic stresses around the contact area. The level of the dynamic flexural stresses can be an order of magnitude higher than that of the static stresses. When both the radial and axial compliance of the housing are taken into consideration, peak dynamic stress was more than 40% less than that generated through the impact between a moving leaflet and a non-compliant rigid housing.

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A squeeze flow phenomenon at the closing of a bileaflet mechanical heart valve prosthesis

Journal of Biomechanics ◽

10.1016/0021-9290(94)90046-9 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 27 (11) ◽

pp. 1369-1378 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Danny Bluestein ◽

Shmuel Einav ◽

Ned H.C. Hwang

Keyword(s):

Heart Valve ◽

Mechanical Heart Valve ◽

Heart Valve Prosthesis ◽

Squeeze Flow ◽

Valve Prosthesis ◽

Flow Phenomenon ◽

Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve ◽

Squeeze Flow Phenomenon

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A structural analysis on the leaflet motion induced by the blood flow for design of a bileaflet mechanical heart valve prosthesis

KSME International Journal ◽

10.1007/bf02982472 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 17 (9) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Young Joo Kwon ◽

Chang Nyung Kim ◽

Jae Won Lee

Keyword(s):

Blood Flow ◽

Structural Analysis ◽

Heart Valve ◽

Mechanical Heart Valve ◽

Heart Valve Prosthesis ◽

Valve Prosthesis ◽

Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve ◽

Leaflet Motion

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Design and in Vitro Performance of a Novel Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve Prosthesis

The International Journal of Artificial Organs ◽

10.1177/039139880502800311 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 256-263 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

D. Medart ◽

C. Schmitz ◽

G. Rau ◽

H. Reul

Keyword(s):

Heart Valve ◽

Mechanical Heart Valve ◽

Polymeric Materials ◽

Hydrodynamic Performance ◽

Heart Valve Prosthesis ◽

Valve Prosthesis ◽

Suitable Material ◽

Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve ◽

In Vitro Performance

Design and in vitro performance of a novel bileaflet mechanical heart valve prosthesis are presented. The novel heart valve exhibits three main design characteristics: (i) The leaflets form a Venturi passage in open position. Thus, a beneficial pressure distribution is obtained and the leaflets are stabilised in opened position. (ii) The orifice inlet is nozzle-shaped. Flow is convectively accelerated and flow separation at the orifice inlet is avoided. (iii) The hinge design facilitates an additional axial movement of the leaflets and leads to a self cleaning effect and enhances washout of the hinges. The design of the leaflet hinges is of main importance for the functional reliability and durability of mechanical heart valves. After manufacturing first prototypes from titanium and polymeric materials the hydrodynamic performance was evaluated according to ISO 5840 and FDA guidelines. Hydrodynamic performance is comparable with the results of commonly available bileaflet mechanical heart valve prostheses. Initial durability tests showed suitable material couples for further long term studies.

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