Stress Analysis on Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Leaflets with Different Shapes

In order to improve long-term durability of bioprosthetic heart valve, stress distribution of bioprosthetic heart valve leaflets with different shapes under the same load are analysed and empared based on finite element method. After constructing parametric models of bioprosthetic heart valves via computer aided design, a series of accurate dimension parameters are obtained. The experimental result of the finite element analysis reveal that stress distribution of different bioprosthetic heart valve leaflets is quite different in diastole time. Spherical valve leaflets have the following advantages over paraboloidal and cylindrical valves leaflets: one is that the peak stress area of spherical valve leaflets is comparatively far from seam position, the other is that the maximal primary stress of spherical valve leaflets is lower than that of paraboloidal and cylindrica valves leaflets. Therefore, mechanical properties of spherical valves leaflets are superior to those of paraboloid and cylindrical valves leaflets.