Effect of ventricle motion on the dynamic behaviour of chorded mitral valves

An Immersed Boundary (IB) model is employed to investigate the dynamic behaviour of a novel chorded mitral prosthesis, which is in the early stages of its development, tinder physiological flow conditions. In vivo magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the left ventricle are analysed to determine the relative motion of the mitral annulus and the papillary muscle regions of the ventricle. The dynamic boundary conditions are incorporated into IB simulations to test the valve in a more realistic dynamic geometric environment. The IB model has successfully identified the effect of the dynamic boundary conditions on the mechanical behaviour of the valve and revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the current mitral design. The mechanical performance of the prosthesis is compared with recent studies of native porcine valves; differences in mechanical behaviour are observed. Potential improvements for the design of the prosthesis are proposed. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.