From real-time 3D echocardiography to mitral valve finite element analysis: A novel modeling approach

Finite element models are an innovative tool for the biomechanical analysis of dynamic cardiac structures, such as the mitral valve. Still, existing models are limited by a simplified description of valve morphology. We aimed at overcoming such limitation by integrating into a mitral valve structural finite element model the information about annulus and papillary muscles geometry and dynamics, obtained in humans by analysis of real time 3D echocardiographic images. The model was used to simulate valve closure from end diastole to systolic peak and to analyze the valve biomechanics. Simulated valvular dynamics and leaflets coaptation were realistic, and all gathered quantitative results were consistent with experimental findings from literature. This novel approach may lead to the development of a patient-specific modeling tool for clinical purposes.