Patient-Specific Computer Simulation of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Morphology

Abstract

Background: A patient-specific computer simulation of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in tricuspid aortic valve has been developed, which can predict paravalvular regurgitation and conduction disturbance. We wished to validate a patient-specific computer simulation of TAVR in bicuspid aortic valve and to determine whether patient-specific transcatheter heart valve (THV) sizing and positioning might improve clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on TAVR in bicuspid aortic valve patients that had both pre- and postprocedural computed tomography imaging. Preprocedural computed tomography imaging was used to create finite element models of the aortic root. Finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics was performed. The simulation output was compared with postprocedural computed tomography imaging, cineangiography, echocardiography, and electrocardiograms. For each patient, multiple simulations were performed, to identify an optimal THV size and position for the patient’s specific anatomic characteristics. Results: A total of 37 patients were included in the study. The simulations accurately predicted the THV frame deformation (minimum-diameter intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.84; maximum-diameter intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.88; perimeter intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.91; area intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.91), more than mild paravalvular regurgitation (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.86) and major conduction abnormalities (new left bundle branch block or high-degree atrioventricular block; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.88). When compared with the implanted THV size and implant depth, optimal patient-specific THV sizing and positioning reduced simulation-predicted paravalvular regurgitation and markers of conduction disturbance. Conclusions: Patient-specific computer simulation of TAVR in bicuspid aortic valve may predict the development of important clinical outcomes, such as paravalvular regurgitation and conduction abnormalities. Patient-specific THV sizing and positioning may improve clinical outcomes of TAVR in bicuspid aortic valve.

First-in-Human Experience With Patient-Specific Computer Simulation of TAVR in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Morphology

“…One potential solution for identifying patients whose anatomy may not be suitable for TAVR, is patient-specific computer simulation. This technology has been well--13-validated in the trileaflet cohort (9-11) with encouraging early validation in BAV patients (19)(20)(21).…”

Paravalvular leak prediction after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with self-expandable prosthesis based on quantitative aortic calcification analysis

“…Secondly, localization of the problematic area of the valve may have an impact on valve prosthesis selection. Additionally, the combination of radial presentation data with the more frequently described personalized simulations of the TAVR procedure (28)(29)(30)(31) may affect both device selection and design.…”

New Insights into Valve Hemodynamics

“…The company then reconstructs the cardiac anatomy, generates and runs the finite element analysis and CFD simulations, and provides a report on the results of several scenarios within two working days. Since the first presentation of this tool, numerous studies have demonstrated its clinical usage including for implantation in bicuspid aortic valves, [71][72][73] and the use of TAVI in the mitral location with native calcified valves 74,75 and inside a failed bioprosthetic valve. 76 Use of the FEops HEARTguide has also been expanded to additional TAVI devices, 77 device optimization, 78 and also for procedural recommendations based on additional possible complications, such as conduction abnormalities.…”