A geometry-based finite element tool for evaluating mitral valve biomechanics

Diana C. de Oliveira*, Daniel M. Espino, Luca Deorsola, Keith Buchan, Dana Dawson, Duncan E.T. Shepherd

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Mitral valve function depends on its complex geometry and tissue health, with alterations in shape and tissue response affecting the long-term restorarion of function. Previous computational frameworks for biomechanical assessment are mostly based on patient-specific geometries; however, these are not flexible enough to yield a variety of models and assess mitral closure for individually tuned morphological parameters or material property representations. This study details the finite element approach implemented in our previously developed toolbox to assess mitral valve biomechanics and showcases its flexibility through the generation and biomechanical evaluation of different models. A healthy valve geometry was generated and its computational predictions for biomechanics validated against data in the literature. Moreover, two mitral valve models including geometric alterations associated with disease were generated and analysed. The healthy mitral valve model yielded biomechanical predictions in terms of valve closure dynamics, leaflet stresses and papillary muscle and chordae forces comparable to previous computational and experimental studies. Mitral valve function was compromised in geometries representing disease, expressed by the presence of regurgitating areas, elevated stress on the leaflets and unbalanced subvalvular apparatus forces. This showcases the flexibility of the toolbox concerning the generation of a range of mitral valve models with varying geometric definitions and material properties and the evaluation of their biomechanics.
Original languageEnglish
Article number104067
Number of pages10
JournalMedical Engineering & Physics
Volume121
Early online date31 Oct 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2023

Keywords

  • Biomechanics
  • Finite element analysis
  • Mitral valve
  • Morphometry
  • Parametric model

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