Finite element analysis of TAVI: Impact of native aortic root computational modeling strategies on simulation outcomes

Med Eng Phys. 2017 Sep:47:2-12. doi: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2017.06.045. Epub 2017 Jul 17.

Abstract

In the last few years, several studies, each with different aim and modeling detail, have been proposed to investigate transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with finite elements. The present work focuses on the patient-specific finite element modeling of the aortic valve complex. In particular, we aim at investigating how different modeling strategies in terms of material models/properties and discretization procedures can impact analysis results. Four different choices both for the mesh size (from 20 k elements to 200 k elements) and for the material model (from rigid to hyperelastic anisotropic) are considered. Different approaches for modeling calcifications are also taken into account. Post-operative CT data of the real implant are used as reference solution with the aim of outlining a trade-off between computational model complexity and reliability of the results.

Keywords: Finite element analysis; Patient-specific modeling; Transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anisotropy
  • Aortic Valve / physiopathology*
  • Aortic Valve / surgery*
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / physiopathology*
  • Aortic Valve Stenosis / surgery*
  • Compressive Strength
  • Computer Simulation
  • Elastic Modulus
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Cardiovascular*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Tensile Strength
  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome