Simulation-based design of bicuspidization of the aortic valve

Alexander D Kaiser; Moussa A Haidar; Perry S Choi; Amit Sharir; Alison L Marsden; Michael R Ma

doi:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.12.027

Simulation-based design of bicuspidization of the aortic valve

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2024 Jan 10:S0022-5223(24)00009-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.12.027. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Alexander D Kaiser¹, Moussa A Haidar², Perry S Choi², Amit Sharir², Alison L Marsden³, Michael R Ma⁴

Affiliations

¹ Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
² Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
³ Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; Institute for Computational and Mathematical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
⁴ Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif; Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif. Electronic address: mma@stanford.edu.

PMID: 38211896
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.12.027

Abstract

Objective: Severe congenital aortic valve pathology in the growing patient remains a challenging clinical scenario. Bicuspidization of the diseased aortic valve has proven to be a promising repair technique with acceptable durability. However, most understanding of the procedure is empirical and retrospective. This work seeks to design the optimal gross morphology associated with surgical bicuspidization with simulations based on the hypothesis that modifications to the free edge length cause or relieve stenosis.

Methods: Model bicuspid valves were constructed with varying free edge lengths and gross morphology. Fluid-structure interaction simulations were conducted in a single patient-specific model geometry. The models were evaluated for primary targets of stenosis and regurgitation. Secondary targets were assessed and included qualitative hemodynamics, geometric height, effective height, orifice area, and billow.

Results: Stenosis decreased with increasing free edge length and was pronounced with free edge length less than or equal to 1.3 times the annular diameter d. With free edge length 1.5d or greater, no stenosis occurred. All models were free of regurgitation. Substantial billow occurred with free edge length 1.7d or greater.

Conclusions: Free edge length 1.5d or greater was required to avoid aortic stenosis in simulations. Cases with free edge length 1.7d or greater showed excessive billow and other changes in gross morphology. Cases with free edge length 1.5d to 1.6d have a total free edge length approximately equal to the annular circumference and appeared optimal. These effects should be studied in vitro and in animal studies.

Keywords: aortic valve repair; aortic valve simulations; bicuspidization.