Multi-modal Phantom Experiments, mimicking Flow through the Mitral Heart Valve

PurposeFluid-structure interaction (FSI) models are more commonly applied in medical research as computational power is increasing. However, understanding the accuracy of FSI models is crucial, especially in the context of heart valve disease in patient-specific models. Therefore, this study aimed to create a multi-modal benchmarking data set for FSI models, based on clinically important parameters, such as the pressure, velocity, and valve opening, with an in vitro phantom setup. MethodAn in vitro setup was developed with a 3D-printed phantom mimicking the left heart, including a deforming mitral valve. A range of pulsatile flows was created with a computer-controlled motor-and-pump setup. Invasive catheter measurements, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and echocardiography (Echo) imaging were used to measure pressure and velocity in the domain. Furthermore, the valve opening was quantified based on cine MRI and Echo images. ResultThe experimental setup, with 0.5 % cycle-to-cycle variation, was successfully built and six different flow cases were investigated. Higher velocity through the mitral valve was observed for increased cardiac output. The pressure difference across the valve also followed this trend. The flow in the phantom was qualitatively assessed by the velocity profile in the ventricle and by streamlines obtained from 4D phase-contrast MRI. ConclusionA multi-modal set of validation data for FSI models has been created, based on parameters relevant for diagnosis of heart valve disease. All data is publicly available for future development of computational heart valve models.