Purpose

With new repair techniques of the aortic root and valve emerging, a detailed understanding of the dynamics of the aortic annulus and valve is required for optimal results. The objective of this study was to characterize geometrical changes and force distribution of the native porcine aortic annulus throughout the cardiac cycle.

Methods

Measurements were performed in an acute 80 kg porcine model (n = 7) using sonomicrometry crystals in the aortic annulus for evaluation of geometry and dynamics, annular force transducer evaluating force distribution, and pressure measurements and echocardiography evaluating valve performance.

Results

Overall, segmental force distribution and geometrical changes differed between different segments of the aortic annulus. The highest force development was found at the left/right interleaflet triangle (2.87 ± 2.1 N) and the largest segmental expansion was observed at the right-coronary and left-coronary sinus. The aortic annulus changed configuration throughout the cardiac cycle and became more oval in systole.

Conclusions

This study is the first to describe detailed segmental dynamics and force distribution of the native aortic annulus in a porcine model in vivo. The heterogenous behavior of the aortic annulus suggests that different segments demand different support for repair of the aortic root and valve.

中文翻译：

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在猪模型中通过力传感器和超声测量法评估的原生主动脉环的不对称动力学。

目的

随着新的主动脉根部和瓣膜修复技术的出现，需要详细了解主动脉环和瓣膜的动力学才能获得最佳结果。本研究的目的是描述原生猪主动脉环在整个心动周期中的几何变化和力分布。

方法

测量是在急性 80 公斤猪模型 ( n  = 7) 中进行的，使用主动脉环中的超声测微晶体来评估几何形状和动力学，环力传感器评估力分布，以及压力测量和超声心动图评估瓣膜性能。

结果

总体而言，主动脉瓣环不同节段的节段力分布和几何变化不同。在左/右小叶间三角 (2.87 ± 2.1 N) 处发现了最高的力发展，在右冠状动脉和左冠状窦观察到最大的节段扩张。主动脉瓣环在整个心动周期内改变结构，在收缩期变得更椭圆。

结论

这项研究首次描述了体内猪模型中原生主动脉环的详细节段动力学和力分布。主动脉环的异质性行为表明不同的节段需要不同的支持来修复主动脉根部和瓣膜。