Three-dimensional computer-aided design-based geometric modeling of a new trileaflet aortic valve.

Our objective was to design a new trileaflet aortic valve using computer-aided design (CAD). Quantification of aortic valve geometries is essential in understanding normal and pathological valvular function and eventually in the design of valves. We have designed a new tissue valve model to investigate its suitability in aortic valve replacement. Steps involved in three-dimensional CAD-based geometric modeling of a trileaflet aortic valve and the effects of different component dimensions on the mechanical behavior of valve are presented in this article. Conceptual designing of individual components was used to build the total geometric model. A new geometric model of a trileaflet aortic valve was designed. This may be of great interest to designers of new prosthetic heart valve models, as well as to surgeons involved in valve-sparing surgery.