A geometry-based finite element tool for evaluating mitral valve biomechanics

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biomechanics
• Computational Biology
• Medical Device Design

Background:

• Mitral valve function is critical for overall heart health, relying on intricate geometry and tissue integrity.
• Existing computational models often lack the flexibility to explore diverse geometric and material properties for mitral valve assessment.
• Understanding biomechanical alterations is key to restoring mitral valve function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail a finite element approach for assessing mitral valve biomechanics using a developed toolbox.
• To demonstrate the toolbox's flexibility in generating and evaluating various mitral valve models.
• To analyze the biomechanical impact of geometric alterations associated with mitral valve disease.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of a finite element analysis toolbox for mitral valve biomechanics.
• Generation of computational models for healthy and diseased mitral valve geometries.
• Validation of healthy model predictions against existing literature data.
• Analysis of leaflet stresses, valve closure dynamics, and subvalvular apparatus forces.

Main Results:

• The healthy mitral valve model's biomechanical predictions aligned with previous computational and experimental findings.
• Diseased mitral valve geometries exhibited compromised function, including regurgitation and increased leaflet stress.
• Unbalanced forces in the subvalvular apparatus were observed in disease models.
• The toolbox successfully generated and evaluated models with varying geometric and material properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed finite element toolbox offers a flexible platform for mitral valve biomechanical assessment.
• The study highlights the significant impact of geometric alterations on mitral valve function and stress distribution.
• This approach facilitates the evaluation of diverse mitral valve morphologies and material properties for research and potential therapeutic strategies.