
13 Jan Elevating TAVI Heart-Valve Simulations Through Credibility Assessment
Revolutionizing Heart-Valve Therapy with Simulation
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) has become a vital procedure for treating patients with severe aortic stenosis. As a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, it offers significant benefits, particularly for elderly or high-risk patients. By replacing a malfunctioning valve via a catheter, this procedure improves blood flow with reduced recovery time and risks. However, ensuring that TAVI devices function flawlessly under physiological conditions is paramount, as even minor design flaws can lead to serious complications.
To address this, researchers at 4RealSim, as part of the SimInSitu project, developed an advanced Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) model of the Edwards Lifesciences Sapien 3 TAVI Heart Valve. This computational model represents a significant step forward, allowing us to replicate and analyze the hemodynamic behavior of the valve in a controlled virtual environment.
Why Simulation is Essential for TAVI Devices
Developing a TAVI heart valve involves balancing multiple factors, including material properties, deployment mechanics, and hydrodynamic performance. Physical testing alone cannot account for all these complexities, particularly when patient-specific conditions vary widely. Computational simulations offer a complementary approach to preclinical testing, allowing for:
– Enhanced Accuracy: Predicting the device’s performance under varying conditions.
– Risk Reduction: Identifying potential failures before clinical use.
– Faster Development Cycles: Reducing reliance on iterative physical testing.
The Sapien 3 FSI model incorporates every key component of the TAVI device:
– Stent Frame: Modeled using advanced beam elements that replicate its structural properties.
– Leaflets: Simulating the mechanical behavior of bovine pericardium tissue with anisotropic hyperelastic material properties.
– Skirt and Balloon Delivery System: Accounting for deployment mechanics and minimizing regurgitation post-implantation.
Addressing Challenges with Credibility Assessment
Despite its sophistication, developing this model wasn’t without challenges. A lack of comprehensive device specifications and variability in material properties across literature sources posed significant hurdles. To overcome these, we used a rigorous Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification (VVUQ) framework based on ASME standards. By systematically identifying and addressing uncertainties, we ensured that the model’s predictions aligned closely with experimental data.
Join Us to Learn More
Our journey in developing this model, overcoming challenges, and ensuring its credibility will be the focus of an upcoming webinar:
👉 Credibility Assessment of a TAVI Heart-Valve FSI Model
During the session, we’ll discuss the techniques and methodologies that underpin this groundbreaking work, providing insights for anyone interested in simulation-driven innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the experts!