Computer visualization of flow patterns for prosthetic heart valves.

Flow patterns for commonly used aortic valve prostheses were formed with the aid of fluid dynamics equations, numerical analysis techniques and computer graphics. Simulations of velocities, vorticity, pressure and certain stress values were developed by a computer and displayed for man-machine interaction. The ball, disc and tilting-disc occluders were of interest. The displays comprised both contour and perspective patterns; the latter permitting semi-quantitative evaluation of particular parameters. Comparisons between the computer simulations and those flow visualizations formed by Björk and co-workers were assessed. Although the methodology was of prime concern for presentation, the capability of the tilting-disc prosthesis for presenting a more natural flow regime was shown. Thoughts of future studies were entertained.