Nonlinear analysis of bioprosthetic heart valve on suture densities

Abstract

In order to improve long term durability of bioprosthetic heart valve, we analyze and compare stress distribution of bioprosthetic heart valve leaflets with different shapes and suture density under the same load. The finite element analysis results are compared with each valve model. It shows that suture density has a significant effect on the dynamic behavior of the bioprosthetic heart valve, which lead to different stress peak values, different stress distributions and deformation. According to the finite element analysis results, we can conclude that the cylindric and spherical valve leaflet with 50 suture points has better dynamic properties. From the whole loading process, we can find that the dynamic mechanical performance of spherical valve leaflet with 50 suture points is better than the cylindrical valve leaflet with 50 suture points. The finite element analysis on the BHV could provide direct and useful information for the BHV designer. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014.