Case Study: University of California achieves safer bioprosthetic heart valve design with Tecplot 360

University of California Researchers use Tecplot 360 CFD visualization software to help identify vortex abnormalities

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine aimed to improve the design of bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) to increase their longevity and safety. Their challenge was to identify and eliminate abnormal flow patterns and excessive stress in these valves, which can lead to complications like calcification and device failure. They used Tecplot 360 CFD visualization software to analyze their experimental data.

Using Tecplot 360 to visualize high-speed Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) data, the researchers were able to identify vortex abnormalities and optimize the valve's design. The solution developed by Tecplot's customer was a bileaflet bioprosthetic mitral valve with a dynamic saddle annulus, which mimicked natural flow patterns and significantly reduced stress on the valve leaflets. This research, enabled by Tecplot's analysis, is pioneering the development of safer, longer-lasting BHVs with the potential to improve patients' quality of life.

University of California

Ahmad Falahatpisheh

Ph.D. Candidate in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department