Hemodynamic and thrombogenic analysis of a trileaflet polymeric valve using a fluid-structure interaction approach

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Current surgical heart valves (bioprosthetic, mechanical) have limitations like structural deterioration and thrombosis risk.
• Polymeric heart valves offer potential to overcome these limitations but require further development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the hemodynamics and thrombogenic potential of the Polynova polymeric trileaflet valve prototype.
• To validate a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model against experimental data from a left heart simulator.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) approach to model the polymeric heart valve.
• Calculated stress accumulation (SA) along platelet trajectories to assess thrombogenic potential.
• Emulated stress-loading waveforms in a hemodynamic shearing device (HSD) and measured platelet activation state (PAS).

Main Results:

• The FSI model accurately replicated experimental hemodynamic parameters.
• Highest stress accumulation (SA) and thrombogenic potential were identified in the valve's commissural regions.
• Experimental validation confirmed higher thrombogenicity in these identified 'hotspots'.

Conclusions:

• The FSI method provides in-depth analysis of polymer valve performance.
• Identified commissural regions as critical areas for design optimization to reduce thrombotic risk.
• This approach aids in developing improved polymeric heart valve prostheses.