A Parametric Model of the Mitral Valve for Finite Element Patient-Specific Simulations

Finite element models of the mitral valve can be useful tools for physicians as a predictive tool for surgical planning, teaching, or observation. In order to seamlessly implement these tools in a clinical setting, the process for the creation of the models needs to take into account the diagnostic procedures and tools available to physicians. In this study, a rapid patient-specific model for clinical applications is developed, creating a parametric geometry from measurements routinely taken during the diagnostic process and maintaining a low computational cost through simplifications in material and boundary conditions. The healthy valve model is then validated against ultrasound images from peak diastole to peak systole, finding a good conformity despite simplifications. These results can serve as a stepping stone towards the development of a clinical digital twin of the mitral valve that combines engineering knowledge and medical process.