Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat
04:30

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat

Published on: February 4, 2021

Impact of aortic valve leaflets calcium volume and distribution on Post-TAVR conduction abnormalities

Symon Reza1, Brandon Kovarovic1, Danny Bluestein1

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine
|July 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Leaflet calcium volume and distribution impact cardiac conduction abnormalities after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Specific calcification patterns, especially on the left coronary leaflet, increase the risk of needing a permanent pacemaker.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a common treatment for aortic stenosis, even in low-risk patients.
  • Post-procedural cardiac conduction abnormalities (CCA) requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) are a significant concern after TAVR.
  • Understanding factors influencing CCA risk is crucial for improving TAVR outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of aortic leaflet calcium volume and distribution on the risk of post-TAVR CCA.
  • To correlate mechanical stress and contact dynamics with leaflet calcification patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an electromechanically coupled four-chamber beating heart model to simulate TAVR with a self-expandable device.
  • Modeled five virtual patient scenarios with varying calcium volumes and distributions (none, uniform, LCL, RCL, NCL).
  • Simulated electrical conduction and coupled it with structural mechanics to assess tissue-device interactions and calculate stress and contact pressure.

Main Results:

  • Increased calcium volume and specific distributions elevated stress and contact pressure near the atrioventricular node.
  • The left coronary leaflet (LCL) calcification model showed the highest mechanical stress and contact pressure.
  • Non-coronary leaflet (NCL) calcification resulted in the lowest stress and pressure, suggesting varying risks based on calcium location.

Conclusions:

  • Leaflet calcium volume and distribution significantly affect mechanical stress and contact dynamics around the heart's conduction system post-TAVR.
  • These findings highlight the importance of considering leaflet calcification patterns in pre-procedural planning.
  • Personalizing risk assessment based on calcium characteristics can lead to improved patient outcomes after TAVR.
Abstract

Keywords:
Conduction abnormalityFEALeaflet calcificationLiving Heart ModelPPITAVR

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery04:48

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery

Published on: November 28, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
Heart Valves01:16

Heart Valves

The human heart is a complex organ with an intricate system of valves that regulate blood flow. There are two main types of valves: atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves.
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...