Mathematical modelling of the Wheatley heart valve

• Grant number: 20/02581-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2020
• End date: August 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Mathematics - Applied Mathematics
• Principal Investigator: José Alberto Cuminato
• Grantee: Ramiro James Rebolledo Cormack
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação (ICMC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07375-0 - CeMEAI - Center for Mathematical Sciences Applied to Industry, AP.CEPID

Abstract

This project is a proof-of-concept of a novel aortic valve for the human heart. It involves mathematical modelling spiral and pulsatile blood flow from the left ventricle into and through an artificial heart valve. The valve has three leaflets (or flaps) which open and close in accordance with systole and diastole. These large (elastic) deflections, driven by the pressure gradient of the blood, need to be modelled and numerically simulated in order to ensure that the valve opens and closes rapidly and the shear stress in the blood flow is always above a critical limit to avoid blood clotting. A comparison with the standard current state-of-the-art valve will be undertaken. (AU)