Aortic Hemodynamics due to Valve Leaflet Stiffness and Valve size

The hemodynamics inside the aorta are heavily affected by the aortic valve that is situated between the aorta and the left ventricle. We have previously showed how altering individual leaflet stiffnesses can dramatically affect Wall Shear Stress (WSS) and residence time inside the aorta. This year we will present how different sizes of aortic valves can affect downstream hemodynamics. These findings are significant in a clinical sense because surgeons typically insert the largest valve possible during valve replacement surgeries. This is done because larger valves have lower pressure drops (the pressure drop across a valve is one of the most common measures of the health of a given valve). However, little attention is given to how oversized valves can block coronary arteries and create regions of slow moving flow that increase the residence time and increase the propensity of thrombosis near the valve.