Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulations of Mechanical Heart Valves with LS-DYNA ICFD

The aortic valve is responsible for allowing blood flow from the heart left ventricle into the aorta during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle and for preventing backflow during the diastolic phase. The aortic valve is composed of three leaflets attached to the aortic root in proximity of three aortic dilations named sinuses of Valsalva. Leaflets open and close as a result of transvalvular pressure drop. Specifically, when the ventricular pressure is higher than the aortic pressure the leaflets open, whilst they close the valve orifice when the aortic pressure is higher than the ventricular pressure. Valve functionality may be impaired due to several conditions, such as aortic valve stenosis and aortic valve regurgitation, with a consequent increase in the risk of left ventricle hypertrophy and cardiac failure [1]. Among treatment options for aortic valve disease, a major role is played by the surgical replacement of the native valve with a prosthetic device.