A three-dimensional analysis of a bioprosthetic heart valve

A three-dimensional finite element model of the leaflets of a bicuspid bioprosthetic heart valve is presented. The model is based on a non-linear elastic representation of the tissue behaviour which closely simulates that found in experiments. The geometry of the model is based on measurements from a real valve. Shell elements which permit bending have been used in the analysis. The results indicate that bending stresses in the leaflets make a significant contribution to their deformation. This confirms earlier two-dimensional work which had suggested that analyses, where only membrane stresses were modelled, were likely to produce significant errors in the stress states. The analysis also predicts peak stresses close to, but not at, the attachment of the leaflet to the stent post.