Dynamic Analysis of the Bioprosthetic Heart Valve

This paper establishes parametric model of the bioprosthetic heart valve via computer aided design. Dynamic finite element analysis is used along with a geometrically accurate model of the bioprosthetic heart valve. The stress distribution of cylindrical and paraboloidal valve leaflets under the same load is analyzed as the leaflets are closed. The finite element analysis results show that the stress distribution of cylindrical and paraboloidal valve leaflets is quite different during the diastole peroid. The stress concentration of two kind valves occurs not only at the free margin but also at the belly. Mechanical properties of paraboloidal valve leaflets are superior to those of cylindrical valves leaflets. Paraboloidal valve leaflets have the following advantages over cylindrical valves leaflets: lower peak von-Mises stress, smaller stress concentration area and range of high-stress region, relatively uniform stress distribution. The complex stress distribution can be effectively analyzed using a sophisticated dynamic finite element model. This work is very helpful to manufacture valvular leaflets with reasonable shapes and to prolong the lifetime of the bioprosthetic heart valve.