Comparison of Diastolic Ventricular Mechanics for Rigid Leaflet and Caged-Ball Prosthetic Valves

Abstract

Computer model results are reported for the diastolic behavior of blood flow and muscle stress in the left ventricle of the heart. Comparisons are made between results for a rigid-leaflet mitral valve and a caged-ball prosthetic valve. As expected, the model ball valve produces larger pressure drops, a higher wall shear, and slower opening times. In addition, the ball valve creates an abnormal distension of the heart wall. This may affect the long-term behavior of the muscle, particularly during systolic contraction.