Fluid dynamic characteristics and quantitative indicators of aortic valve calcification: A fluid-structure...

Aortic valve calcification is a common valvular disorder. Current fluid-structure interaction studies specifically focused on calcified aortic valves remain limited, leading to an incomplete understanding of valvular motion and hemodynamic behaviors under calcified pathological conditions.

Multi-component arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation is utilized to perform fluid-structure interaction simulations for the aortic valve. Numerical predictions of the native valve achieve reasonable consistency with reported in vivo and in vitro experimental measurements. A series of idealized aortic valve calcification models are constructed to quantify how calcification patterns and material properties alter valvular dynamic behavior, together with the overall hemodynamic performance modulated by calcification morphology.

Within the idealized numerical framework, calcified aortic valves consistently present incomplete leaflet opening and elevated flow shear stress. This study proposed a preliminary dimensionless parameter to characterize calcification-induced alterations in valve dynamics. Numerical classification of calcification severity is implemented based on this parameter within the present model, which may correspond to the developmental stages of calcification to a certain extent.

This study established an idealized numerical model of calcified aortic valves to quantitatively evaluate calcification-related dynamic alterations. A preliminary dimensionless parameter is explored to potentially characterize aortic valve calcification severity, providing a prospective reference for evaluating the developmental stages of calcification. The findings may provide tentative theoretical insights for future clinical recognition of aortic valve calcification.