Related Experiment Videos
Computational fluid dynamics of artificial heart valves
G Dubini1, R Pietrabissa, R Fumero
1Dipartimento di Bioingegneria, Politecnico di Milano, Italy.
The International Journal of Artificial Organs
|June 1, 1991
Summary
The Finite Element Method effectively evaluated artificial heart valve fluid dynamics. Different occluder geometries significantly impacted local flow, highlighting the importance of valve design in cardiovascular engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
- Medical Device Design
Background:
- Extensive in vitro research has examined artificial heart valve fluid dynamics over 30 years.
- Understanding fluid dynamics is crucial for optimizing prosthetic heart valve performance and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the Finite Element Method's utility in evaluating prosthetic heart valve fluid dynamics.
- To compare the fluid dynamic behavior of three distinct artificial heart valve designs: Bjork-Shiley Convex-Concave, Medtronic-Hall, and Carbomedics.
- To elucidate the influence of occluder geometry on global and local fluid dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Finite Element Method (FEM) to compute pressure and velocity fields.
- Simulated fluid dynamics around three artificial heart valve types: curved disc, flat disc, and bileaflet.
- Analyzed the impact of varying occluder geometries on flow patterns.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in local fluid dynamics were observed among the three valve types.
- Occluder geometry was identified as a key factor influencing flow characteristics.
- The Reynolds number was found to play a significant role in the observed fluid dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The Finite Element Method is a valuable tool for assessing artificial heart valve fluid dynamics.
- Prosthetic heart valve design, specifically occluder geometry, critically affects local fluid dynamics.
- Further research should consider the interplay between valve design, Reynolds number, and hemodynamic performance.