Comparative finite element analysis of patient-specific tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valve

The main purpose of this study was to examine and compare the biomechanical characteristics of a healthy tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and diseased bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). The patient-specific geometrical model of TAV was created based on computed tomography (CT) scan images. On the same model, two leaflets (left and right) were manually fused in order to create the BAV model (type 1). The finite element analysis was performed using the algorithms and numerical methods for structural analysis on computational meshes. Also, equivalent material characteristics and boundary conditions were applied. As the result, displacements and Von Mises stress distribution were computed concerning anatomical differences between TAV and BAV structures. In the case of TAV, leaflets were symmetrically and centrally open, while BAV analysis resulted with regions of increased stresses on the leaflets with elliptically open valve. The performed comparative computational analysis gave better insight into the biomechanics of healthy and malformed aortic root. It may contribute to monitoring of structural characteristics due to the difficulty of obtaining such characteristics in vitro or in vivo.