On mechanical interaction between aortic root and aortic valve leaflets

Pathological studies have shown that the degenerative failure of bioprosthetic valves results from calcification and cuspal tearing at the free edge and along the leaflet attachment to the supporting frame. While the physico-chemical phenomenon of the complex degenerative changes is still unclear, it has been shown that excessive flexural stresses resulting from a reduction in leaflet pliability following graft sterilization and preservation, and from the presence of the supporting stent, are major contributing factors. Aortic root, the structure that surrounding the aortic valve, experiences substantial expansion and contraction during cardiac function. This paper investigates the influence of aortic root distensibility on the aortic valve leaflets _deformations.