A computational study of the hemodynamics after "edge-to-edge" mitral valve repair.

Edge-to-edge mitral valve repair consists in suturing the free edge of the leaflets to re-establish coaptation in prolapsing valves. The leaflets are frequently sutured at the middle and a double orifice valve is created. In order to study the hemodynamic implications, a parametric model of the left heart has been developed. Different valve areas and shapes have been investigated. Results show that the simplified Bernoulli formula provides a good estimation of the pressure drop and that the pressure drop may be predicted on the basis of the pre-operative geometric and hemodynamics data by means of customized models.