On the left ventricular vortex reversal after mitral valve replacement

Ann Biomed Eng. 2010 Mar;38(3):769-73. doi: 10.1007/s10439-010-9928-2. Epub 2010 Jan 22.

Abstract

The blood flow in the human left ventricle is known to develop a vortical motion that should facilitate the ejection of blood into the primary circulation. This study shows that such a rotary motion can be totally reversed after the implant of a prosthetic valve. This phenomenon, in agreement with clinical observation, appears mostly imputable to the symmetry of the implant. The reversed rotation increases energy dissipation and modifies the pressure distribution with the potential development of new pathologies. The results provide preliminary, physically based, elements for the improvement of surgical procedures or prosthesis.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Flow Velocity
  • Computer Simulation
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Mitral Valve / physiopathology*
  • Mitral Valve / surgery
  • Models, Cardiovascular*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology*