Quasi-static simulation of mitral valve edge to edge repair

Edge-to-edge repair (ETER) technique alters mitral valve inflow in the diastolic phase and thus the stress distribution on each leaflet, especially the area near sutured edges. In the present study, we performed finite element simulations of ETER mitral valve during the diastolic phase under different pressures. We conducted planar biaxial mechanical testing to obtain the material properties of native mitral leaflets. The test data were characterized by the Fungelastic model. Fung-elastic model with material parameters from experiments was implemented into FE models of ETER mitral valve to study leaflet deformation. The simulation results indicate the high stress regions occurred in the areas near sutured edges and the vicinity of commissures.