A fluid-structure interaction framework for mechanical aortic valves: analyzing the effects of valve design and aortic curvature on hemodynamics

Authors: Mariachiara Arminio, Dario Carbonaro, Valentina Mazzi, Karol Calò, Rodrigo Paz, Facundo Del Pin, Diego Gallo, Umberto Morbiducci, Claudio Chiastra

Keywords

bileaflet valves; fluid–structure interaction; heart valve prosthesis; in silico medicine; mechanical aortic valves.

Summary

This study investigates the hemodynamic performance of aortic mechanical heart valves (MHVs), which are widely used when long-term durability is required. A strongly coupled fluid-structure interaction (FSI) framework was developed to analyze the interaction between valve design and blood flow. Nine simulations were conducted using three MHV designs and three aortic geometries, including straight and curved models. Results show that valve design significantly affects flow patterns, while simplified straight aortas underestimate key hemodynamic features such as swirling strength and flow stretching. Overall, the framework provides a reliable tool to support the design and optimization of MHVs under realistic anatomical conditions.

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