A novel method to quantitate bioprosthetic valve leaflet mechanical stress: a numerical and in vitro study.

An original in vitro/in silico method was developed to estimate the local and global mechanical stress applied on the bioprosthetic valve leaflet, which can be important for better understanding of the valve durability. A non-contact system based on stereophotogammetry and digital image correlation enabled filming and studying the valve leaflet movement frame by frame and performing three-dimensional analysis. The deformation was applied in a finite element model in order to calculate the local mechanical stress applied. High stress regions were primarily observed in the upper leaflet edge and belly and to a lesser extent at the free leaflet edge.