What does this research mean for the field?

Bicuspid and quadricuspid aortic valve models demonstrate greater concentrations of stress distribution and localized deformations due to their asymmetric structure. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To develop a patient-specific computational framework that assesses stress and strain in aortic valve variants through the cardiac cycle.

April 1, 2026

Biomechanical Analysis of Stresses and Strains of the Healthy Aortic Valve and Its Congenital Variants Throughout the Cardiac Cycle: A Finite Element Approach

Key Result

Bicuspid and quadricuspid aortic valve models, due to their asymmetric structure, demonstrate greater concentrations of stress distribution and localized deformations.

Key Points

To develop a patient-specific computational framework that assesses stress and strain in aortic valve variants through the cardiac cycle.
Created 3D aortic valve models using transesophageal echocardiography images.
Employed finite element analysis for dynamic stress and strain assessment.
Utilized MATLAB and Blender for modeling and simulations.
Applied numerical solvers for convergence of results.
Differential stress and strain distributions were observed among TAV, BAV, and QAV models.
BAV and QAV models showed greater stress concentrations due to their asymmetric morphology.
Findings have implications for understanding disease progression in valvular abnormalities.

Structured PICO

Population

Computational models of aortic valves (tricuspid, bicuspid type 0, bicuspid type 1, and quadricuspid) derived from transesophageal echocardiography images

Intervention

Finite element analysis of stress and strain deformation throughout the cardiac cycle

Comparator

Comparison between different valve morphologies (tricuspid vs. bicuspid and quadricuspid)

Outcome

Stress and strain deformation throughout the cardiac cyclesurrogate

Computational finite element modeling demonstrates that congenital asymmetric aortic valve variants (bicuspid and quadricuspid) experience higher and more localized biomechanical stress than normal tricuspid valves, which may inform disease progression mechanisms.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

ABSTRACT To fully understand valve function and evaluate valve dynamics in patients with valvular diseases, it is crucial to model the biomechanical behavior of the valve. The primary objective of this study is to develop an innovative, patient‐specific computational framework to assess stress and strain deformation throughout the cardiac cycle using finite element analysis. Three aortic valve models—tricuspid (TAV), bicuspid type 0 (BAV Type 0), bicuspid type 1 (BAV Type 1), and quadricuspid (QAV)—were created from transesophageal echocardiography images using a combination of MATLAB and Blender functionalities. A dynamic stress and strain analysis, assuming a combination of linear elastic and nonlinear hyperelastic material properties, was employed for the simulation (FEATool). The valves were subjected to a set of stresses as initial conditions, with a surface‐dependent variable pressure profile as a boundary condition. Two numerical solvers, linear (MUMPS) and nonlinear (FEniCS), were employed to ensure convergence of the results. Mechanically, the models reveal significant distinctions, primarily driven by differences in morphology, as demonstrated by the simulation performed. The BAV (Type 0 and Type 1) and QAV models, which have an asymmetric structure, provided greater concentrations of stress distribution as well as localized deformations. Our approach allows us to quantify the impact of valvular morphology on stress and strain distribution. These findings enhance our understanding of the biomechanical mechanisms that may impact disease progression in valvular abnormalities and inform personalized treatment approaches.

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