3-DIMENSIONAL STRESS-ANALYSIS OF POLYPROPYLENE LEAFLETS FOR PROSTHETIC HEART-VALVES

The effect of changing the modulus and thickness of the material in th e leaflets of an artificial heart valve has been investigated. This ha s been achieved with a finite element model of the valve having approx imately 2300 thin shell elements. The valve motion and the resulting s tresses are modelled dynamically during closure, and subsequent pressu risation. The stresses decrease as the leaflets are made thicker and t he modules is increased. Local and global thickening has been investig ated. The highest stresses appear at the tops of the stent posts in th e regions of the commissures. When modulus is too low, or the leaflets are too thin, the valve prolapsed. (C) 1997 IPEM. Published by Elsevi er Science Ltd.