Toward patient-specific simulations of cardiac valves: state-of-the-art and future directions

J Biomech. 2013 Jan 18;46(2):217-28. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.10.026. Epub 2012 Nov 20.

Abstract

Recent computational methods enabling patient-specific simulations of native and prosthetic heart valves are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on two critical components of such methods: (1) anatomically realistic finite element models for simulating the structural dynamics of heart valves; and (2) fluid structure interaction methods for simulating the performance of heart valves in a patient-specific beating left ventricle. It is shown that the significant progress achieved in both fronts paves the way toward clinically relevant computational models that can simulate the performance of a range of heart valves, native and prosthetic, in a patient-specific left heart environment. The significant algorithmic and model validation challenges that need to be tackled in the future to realize this goal are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Female
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Heart Valves / physiopathology*
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology*
  • Heart, Artificial
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Cardiovascular*