Dynamic finite element analysis of the aortic root from MRI-derived parameters

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biomechanics
• Computational Modeling
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Aortic root biomechanics is critical for surgical optimization in pathological conditions.
• Realistic computational models are needed to understand aortic root function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, realistic finite element (FE) model of the physiological aortic root.
• To simulate aortic root function throughout the cardiac cycle.
• To investigate the impact of anatomical differences on stress and strain patterns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 10 healthy subjects for model geometry.
• Incorporated non-linear, anisotropic mechanical properties of leaflets.
• Applied dynamic boundary conditions to simulate physiological function.

Main Results:

• Anatomical variations between leaflet-sinus units lead to distinct stress and strain distributions.
• Leaflets experience higher stress (up to 759 kPa) and strain compared to sinuses.
• Model outputs for leaflet stretch, coaptation, commissure motion, and valve dynamics align with experimental data.

Conclusions:

• The developed FE model realistically reproduces aortic root behavior.
• The model serves as a valuable tool for optimizing surgical interventions.
• Understanding leaflet-sinus unit differences is key to predicting root mechanics.