Computational study of different sinus geometries on mechanical heart valve hemodynamics

The geometry of the Valsalva sinus plays a significant role in the functioning of native valves. It has been reported that remodelling of the Valsalva sinus occurs due to various diseases. When the native aortic valves are replaced due to severe aortic valve stenosis or insufficiency, the altered sinus geometry will affect their functioning. There are numerous studies on the effect of sinus geometry on the functioning of bioprosthetic valves, but such effects on mechanical heart valves are relatively less explored. In the current study, we considered different sinus geometries with mechanical heart valves and studied the overall hemodynamics. We use a loosely coupled fluid-structure interaction solver with sharp interface immersed boundary method to track moving leaflets. The current work provides insights into the blood damage, stasis, particle residence inside the sinus region, and the hemodynamic effects of different sinus geometries. This study will help clinicians evaluate the sinus geometry and, if needed, do corrective surgeries while replacing diseased valves with mechanical heart valves.