Hemodynamics of Reduced Leaflet Motion in Prosthetic Aortic Valves

Recent clinical studies based on high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans have shown a higher than expected incidence of reduced leaflet motion (RLM) due to early leaflet thrombosis in bioprosthetic aortic valves. Although in most cases, the RLM is considered subclinical, the hemodynamic impact and long-term clinical significance of RLM are yet understood. In the present study the hemodynamics associated with RLM is investigated in using a sharp-interface immersed boundary based flow-structure-interaction computational modeling. A reduced degree-of-freedom, model for the leaflet dynamics is employed, which accelerated our ability to examine first-order effect of leaflet motion. Simulations for i) normal, ii) RLM in 1, and ii) 2 leaflets are performed to investigate the effect of RLM on the transvalvular hemodynamics and the implication for the progression of disease.