CMN 2026

Modelling and simulation of blood flow and strain of leaflets in the mitral valve and MitraClip implantation

  • Casero, Angelica (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid)
  • Navas, Pedro (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid)
  • Goicolea, José María (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid)

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Patient-specific computational modeling of mitral valve mechanics is crucial for improving interventional strategies. Accurate representation of leaflet deformation, chordae tendineae and pressure-driven loading is essential to predict valve function under physiological and pathological scenarios. In this work, we present a 3D mechanical analysis of the mitral valve based on patient-specific geometry reconstructed from echocardiographic images. Finite element simulations in Abaqus evaluated stresses, strains and valve closure under different transvalvular pressures, identifying the most physiological loading configuration. Once established, pathological conditions were modeled by increasing leaflet thickness to 1, 2, and 3 mm. While healthy configurations preserved normal function, thicker models showed incomplete coaptation, reflecting severe disease. To address this, a clip-based edge-to-edge repair was simulated, representing MitraClip™ implantation. Results demonstrate that this computational framework effectively reproduces mitral valve mechanics and predicts pathological behavior. Simulations show that MitraClip™ successfully restores proper closure in severe cases. This approach provides a powerful tool for understanding valve mechanics, enhancing patient-specific preoperative planning while reducing experimental reliance.