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In vitro Assessment of Aortic Regurgitation Using Four-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: February 25, 2022
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Bicuspid aortic valve morphology and aortic valvular outflow jets: an experimental analysis using an MRI-compatible
Kaoru Hattori1,2, Natsuki Nakama3, Jumpei Takada3
1Cooperative Major in Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Joint Graduate School of Tokyo Women's Medical University and Waseda University, Waseda University, Tokyo, 1628480, Japan.
Scientific Reports
|January 23, 2021
Summary
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) morphology significantly impacts aortic outflow jets. Asymmetric BAVs create eccentric jets impinging on the aorta, unlike symmetric BAVs, influencing aortopathy development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a common congenital heart defect associated with aortopathy.
- The characteristics of the aortic valvular outflow jet are implicated in the development of aortopathy in BAV patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) morphologies influence the aortic valvular outflow jets.
- To correlate specific BAV morphotypes with outflow jet characteristics and potential impact on the aorta.
Main Methods:
- Development of morphotype-specific valve-devising apparatuses to create patient-specific aortic valve models.
- Utilizing a magnetic resonance imaging-compatible pulsatile flow circulation system to quantify outflow jet parameters.
- Comparative analysis of jet eccentricity and circulation among tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and various BAV morphologies (symmetric and asymmetric).
Main Results:
- No significant differences in mean aortic flow or regurgitation were observed among the studied BAV morphologies.
- Asymmetric BAVs generated eccentric outflow jets directed towards the aortic wall adjacent to the smaller leaflets.
- The precise location of impingement varied based on the orientation of the smaller leaflet in asymmetric BAVs, affecting the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and supravalvular regions.
Conclusions:
- Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) symmetry and the spatial orientation of the smaller leaflet are critical determinants of aortic valvular outflow jet characteristics.
- Asymmetric BAVs produce distinct outflow patterns that impinge on the aortic wall, potentially contributing to aortopathy.
- Symmetric BAVs result in less eccentric jets with minimal aortic wall interaction.
