Non-Circular Configurations Increase Heart Valve Leaflet Stresses and Alter Leaflet Kinematics: A Computational Approach

Transcatheter heart valve (THV) technology represents a new treatment option for many patients with severe aortic stenosis, especially those who may be ‘high risk’ candidates for valve replacement surgery. THVs are typically deployed through a small incision in either the thigh (transfemoral approach) or the chest (transapical approach). As opposed to traditional heart valve replacement surgery, THVs are deployed within the diseased valve. The metal frame pushes against the calcified leaflets and is held in place via the frame’s interaction with the native diseased valve and annular tissue. The compliant nature of the THV combined with the rigid diseased tissue has resulted often in deformed deployment of THVs clinically [1, 2].