Surface strains in the anterior leaflet of the functioning mitral valve

The mitral valve (MV) is a complex anatomical structure whose function involves a delicate force balance and synchronized function of each of its components. Elucidation of the role of each component and their interactions is critical to improving our understanding of MV function, and to form the basis for rational surgical repair. In the present study, we present the first known detailed study of the surface strains in the anterior leaflet in the functioning MV. The three-dimensional spatial positions of markers placed in the central region of the MV anterior leaflet in a left ventricle-simulating flow loop over the cardiac cycle were determined. The resulting two-dimensional in-surface strain tensor was computed from the marker positions using a C-0 Lagrangian quadratic finite element. Results demonstrated that during valve closure the anterior leaflet experienced large, anisotropic strains with peak stretch rates of 500% - 1000%/s. This rapid stretching was followed by a plateau phase characterized by relatively constant strain state. We hypothesized that the presence of this plateau phase was a result of full straightening of the leaflet collagen fibers upon valve closure. This hypothesis suggests that the MV collagen fibers are designed to allow leaflet coaptation followed by a dramatic increase in stiffness to prevent further leaflet deformation, which would lead to valvular regurgitation. These studies represent a first step in improving our understanding of normal MV function and to help establish the principles for repair and replacement. (C) 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society.