Enhancing the Force Validated Heart Valve Surgical Planning Tool

Abstract While advances in cardiac surgery have revolutionized the treatment of heart valve disease, problems associated with the long-term performance of replacement valves and surgical repair techniques are still prevalent. The natural efficiency and durability of the native mitral valve stems from its ability to minimize stress across the tissue structures. This fundamental principle should guide the approach to valve repair and replacement device development, ensuring that the forces experienced by the valve tissue after intervention resemble this normal state. In this project, the hypothesis is that constructing computational models using experimental force and shape measurements obtained from both healthy porcine and human valves will result in a more precise system for surgical planning, device development, and FDA device approval. This proposed approach is innovative and will enhance our comprehension of the fundamental factors that lead to effective valve functionality, ultimately serving as a targeted therapy objective. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to engage in cutting- edge research pertaining to cardiovascular biomechanics and clinical interventions.