Finite element analysis of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the presence of aortic leaflet calcifications

Abstract

Transcatheter Aortic Valve (TAV) implantation is a recent interventional procedure for the replacement of the aortic valve in patients affected by severe aortic stenosis who are considered at high or prohibitive surgical risk. Despite recent improvements, TAV-related complications still limit its application. In the present work, FE analyses of TAV implantation and function have been performed with the aim of investigating the influence of the calcifications of the aortic valve leaflets on TAV performances. Results suggest that the degree and location of calcifications could influence post-implanted TAV configuration as well as TAV-aortic root interactions and TAV dynamics. The study gives insights in the biomechanics of TAV, while the implemented computational tools could be applied to different scenarios to investigate other relevant clinical aspects.