Computational assessment of the hemodynamics and platelet activation potential of a Trileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve and their comparison with a Bioprosthetic and a Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve

Albeit thousands of patients undergo prosthetic heart valve implantations each year, a coagulation-free, durable, and biocompatible prosthetic valve remains elusive. Novel designs of prosthetic heart valves are therefore required to be analyzed to ensure a physiological function of the heart post the implantation of the prosthesis. In this research, the hemodynamics and platelet activation potential of a Trileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve, named as Triflo Valve, have been investigated and compared against existing designs of a Bioprosthetic Heart Valve (BHV) and a Bileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve (BMHV). The flow field of the Triflo Valve and the BHV is dominated by a central jet being void of eddies, with a triangular cross-section, which resembles physiological flow, contrary to the BMHV having two strong lateral jets. The Total Platelet Activation (TPA) in the Triflo Valve was observed to be 14% higher than BHV whereas that for the BMHV was 73% higher. The Triflo Valve exhibits around 52% lesser TPA in comparison to BMHV and demonstrates promising features for its consideration towards aortic valve replacements.