Impact of Oversizing on Stent Frame Fatigue Strains in Self-Expanding Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract

This paper delves into the impact of oversizing on fatigue strains in nitinol stent frames used in aortic heart valve replacements. While oversizing, the practice of using a prosthetic valve larger in diameter than the native aortic annulus, offers benefits like reduced valve migration risk and increased effective orifice area (EOA), it also poses challenges. Oversizing can lead to annular rupture and conductive abnormalities, potentially inducing mechanical fatigue. As nitinol stents become more prevalent in medical applications, comprehending their mechanical responses under real-life loading conditions becomes essential. This understanding is pivotal for ensuring the long-term reliability of these devices and safeguarding patient health. In this paper, Finite Element Analysis has been used to study the impact of oversizing the heart valve on anatomic geometry.