FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF STENTLESS VALVE IMPLANT IN PATIENT-SPECIFIC AORTIC ROOT GEOMETRY

In case of aortic valve leaflet disease, the implant of a stentless biological prosthesis represents an excellent option for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in older and often sicker patients due to its several advantages (Oses, 2010). In particular, it provides a more physiological hemodynamic performance and a minor trombogeneticity without requiring the use of anticoagulants. Moreover, a continuos suture technique for implantation is adopted, which may reduce cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp times (Beholz, 2006). The sizing procedure and the implantation technique are strictly related to surgeon’s experience and skill. Therefore, also this treatment, like most reconstructive procedures in cardiac surgery, remains more art than science (David, 2002). The present study aims at supporting the AVR procedure planning through the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of stentless valve implantation in an aortic root model based on patient-specific geometrical data obtained from Computed Tomography Angiography (CT-A).