Mechanical mitral valve modeling: Advancing the field through emerging science

Background: Successful mitral valve repair and replacement are dependent upon a full understanding of normal and abnormal mitral valve anatomy and function. The functional components of the mitral valve include: the left atrial wall, the annulus, the leaflets, the chordae tendineae, the papillary muscles, segments of the left ventricular myocardium. Abnormal anatomy or function of any one of these components can result in valvular dysfunction. We sought to assess the outcome of olden challenges of the mechanical behaviors of the mitral valve. Method: Much of our knowledge of abnormal mitral valve function is based on surgical and post-mortem studies while these studies are quantitative in some cases , they are limited by evaluation of valve anatomy in a fixed and nonfunctioning state. A more sophisticated analysis method is necessary to gain a full considerate of mitral valve function. Several groups attempted to model mitral valve anatomy and function by mathematical/physical equations. Result: Preliminary results concerning a different aspect of mitral valve leafletsbiomechanics, such as leaflets dynamics, displacements, thickness, stress and strain on leaflets. Conclusion: These data potentially allow the implementation of an image-based approach for patient-specific modeling of mitral valve leaflets. This approach could constitute the basis for accurate evaluation of mitral valve pathologic conditions and for the planning of surgical approaches.