Strain Energy Minimization Technique to Design a Surgical Heart Valve Using a Novel Polymer

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Cardiovascular Device Design
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Natural aortic valves require over two billion cycles of durability.
• Designing prosthetic valves with similar durability and efficiency is challenging.
• Polymeric heart valves offer a promising alternative to existing options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the Foldax TRIA polymeric heart valve design.
• To minimize strain energy and enhance structural integrity using computational modeling.
• To improve durability and hemodynamic performance.

Main Methods:

• Developed a 3D computational model of the TRIA valve using LS-Dyna.
• Analyzed strain energy distribution in leaflets (LifePolymer™) and frame (PEEK).
• Assessed leaflet width impact on strain, durability, and efficiency; evaluated hydrodynamic performance via pulse duplicator.

Main Results:

• Identified optimal leaflet width minimizing strain energy and ensuring uniform stress distribution.
• Deviations in leaflet width led to excessive strain and potential durability issues.
• TRIA valve demonstrated low pressure gradient, efficient orifice area, and stable performance over 600 million cycles.

Conclusions:

• Optimized TRIA valve design achieves minimal strain energy and maximal hydrodynamic efficiency.
• Results suggest the polymeric valve is a viable, long-lasting alternative to traditional prostheses.
• Further in vivo validation is recommended to confirm clinical efficacy and longevity.