Biomechanics of the Aortic Valve in Health and Disease

Abstract

The aortic valve is composed of collagen, elastin, proteoglycan, valvular interstitial cells (VIC), and valvular endothelial cells (VEC). In the open condition, the aorta valve allows blood to leave the heart, and in the closed condition, it prevents the backflow of the blood to the left ventricle. However, when the aortic valve cups become narrow or thickened, cusp motion is impaired and obstructs the blood flow. This chapter investigates the structure and composition of the aortic valve cusp and the role of VIC, VEC, and cross-talk of VEC-VIC. In addition, biomechanical characterization of the aortic cusps such as uniaxial, biaxial, flexure, three-point bending, cantilever bending, and viscoelasticity was discussed. Furthermore, etiology, in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models, and ex vivo models mimicking aortic stenosis and regurgitation were summarized.