Replication of left ventricular haemodynamics with a simple planar mitral valve model.

Tools for the numerical prediction of haemodynamics in multi-disciplinary integrated heart simulations have to be based on computational models that can be solved with low computational effort and still provide physiological flow characteristics. In this context the mitral valve model is important since it strongly influences the flow kinematics, especially during the diastolic phase. In contrast to a 3D valve, a vastly simplified valve model in form of a simple diode is known to be unable to reproduce the characteristic vortex formation and unable to promote a proper ventricular washout. In the present study, an adaptation of the widely used simplest modelling approach for the mitral valve is employed and compared to a physiologically inspired 3D valve within the same ventricular geometry. The adapted approach shows enhanced vortex formation and an improved ventricular washout in comparison to the diode type model. It further shows a high potential in reproducing the main flow characteristics and related particle residence times generated by a 3D valve.