Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a congenital cardiac malformation affecting 1-2% of live births. BAV frequently causes aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation and is often associated with early development of aortic aneurysms. Improved understanding of valve and root biomechanics is needed to achieve advancements in surgical repair techniques. Here, we present a novel finite element (FE) modelling strategy for simulating the function of the aortic root throughout the cardiac cycle and to investigate BAV-related alterations. In vivo data acquired via cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were used to develop a 3-dimensional finite element models of the aortic root with a bicuspid aortic valve (type 1 right/left) and normal aortic root with a tricuspid aortic valve. FE models combine a realistic morphology and accurate tissue’s response. Numerical results obtained from the BAV model were compared with those obtained from the tricuspid one, in order to quantify aortic valve and root biomechanical alterations associated with bicuspid geometry. Results obtained from this study show that in BAVs aortic valve function is altered and characterized by abnormally high stresses on aortic leaflets and also on the surrounding aortic wall tissue, with possible implications in the development of tissue degeneration.
Congenital Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Associated Aortopathy: Finite Element Modelling from MRI Data
CONTI, CARLO ANGELO;PELOSI, ALESSANDRA;STEVANELLA, MARCO;VOTTA, EMILIANO;REDAELLI, ALBERTO CESARE LUIGI
2010-01-01
Abstract
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a congenital cardiac malformation affecting 1-2% of live births. BAV frequently causes aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation and is often associated with early development of aortic aneurysms. Improved understanding of valve and root biomechanics is needed to achieve advancements in surgical repair techniques. Here, we present a novel finite element (FE) modelling strategy for simulating the function of the aortic root throughout the cardiac cycle and to investigate BAV-related alterations. In vivo data acquired via cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were used to develop a 3-dimensional finite element models of the aortic root with a bicuspid aortic valve (type 1 right/left) and normal aortic root with a tricuspid aortic valve. FE models combine a realistic morphology and accurate tissue’s response. Numerical results obtained from the BAV model were compared with those obtained from the tricuspid one, in order to quantify aortic valve and root biomechanical alterations associated with bicuspid geometry. Results obtained from this study show that in BAVs aortic valve function is altered and characterized by abnormally high stresses on aortic leaflets and also on the surrounding aortic wall tissue, with possible implications in the development of tissue degeneration.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
