Fea of displacements and stresses of aortic heart valve leaflets during the opening phase

Purpose: Modelling of biomechanical behaviour of heart valve materials aids improvement of biofunctional feature. The aim of the work was assessment of influence of material thickness of leaflets of artificial aortic valve on displacements and stresses during opening phase using finite element analysis (FEA). Design/methodology/approach: The model of aortic valve was developed on the basis of average anatomical valve shapes and dimensions. Nonlinear dynamic large displacements analysis with assumption of isotropic linear elastic material behaviour was used in simulation (Solidworks). The modulus of elasticity of 5.0 MPa was assumed and Poisson ratio set to 0.45. The rigidly supported leaflets was loaded by pressure increasing in the range 0-55 mmHg in time 0.1 s. Leaflets with material thickness 0.13 and 0.15 and 0.17 mm were analysed. The thickness was simulated with shell finite elements. Findings: The highest stresses were observed in the areas of fixation of the leaflets near the scaffold and were lower than dangerous value of fatigue of polyurethanes. Increasing the thickness of valve leaflet material in the range of 40 micrometres resulted in reduction of the valve outlet by almost 10 percent. Research limitations/implications: The FEA was limited to the isotropic linear-elastic behaviour of the material albeit can be used to assess leaflet deformation during dynamic load. Practical implications: Leaflets design may be start from efficient FEA which helps estimation of material impact on stress and fold formation which can affect local blood flow. Originality/value: Aortic heart valve leaflet material can be initially tested in dynamic conditions during opening phase with using FEA.