Cardiovascular diseases are rapidly increasing in developing countries, with rheumatic valve disorders on the rise among younger populations and placing a growing burden on healthcare systems. For many patients with severe valvular dysfunction, prosthetic heart valve replacement remains the only life-saving option. Yet current artificial valves continue to face major challenges, including early structural deterioration and the persistent risk of thrombosis.
To address these limitations, the Wheatley Valve introduces an innovative S-shaped leaflet design that may enhance blood washout within the aortic root, thus significantly reducing thrombus formation and potentially minimizing the need for aggressive antiplatelet therapy. Beyond its biomedical impact, this novel geometry reveals an unexpected intersection between engineering, mathematics, and architectural design. Beginning with an intuitive concept such as deformable sheets, an attempt is made to demonstrate how remarkably complex and functional geometries can emerge while preserving the elegant S-shaped leaflet structure.

Building on this geometric foundation we explored how Material Science, Solid and Fluid Dynamics could be integrated to refine and optimize the Wheatley Heart Valve before regulatory testing and future clinical translation. From a proof-of-concept perspective, we present advanced computational models capable of capturing the valve’s operating mechanism, characterized by large-amplitude displacements, equilibrium stability, and sensitivity to distortions and warp angles.

Supported by early stage experimental validation, these models are being further extended into sophisticated multiscale cardiovascular simulations through coupled 3D–1D–0D systemic models, enabling the study of full circulatory interactions and the integration of emerging cardiac assist technologies such as ventricular pumps.
This talk highlights how state-of-the-art mathematical and computational modelling could drive innovation in cardiovascular engineering, transforming bold geometric ideas into clinically relevant technologies with the potential to redefine the future of heart valve therapy. The simulations employ the package LS-DYNA Software.

References:

OLIVEIRA, HUGO L.; BUSCAGLIA, GUSTAVO C.; PAZ, RODRIGO R.; DEL PIN, FACUNDO; Cuminato, José A.; KERR, MONICA; MCKEE, Sean; STEWART, IAIN W.; WHEATLEY, DAVID J.. Three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction simulation of the Wheatley aortic valve. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering. v.1, p.1 - 1, 2023.

OLIVEIRA, H L; MCKEE, S; BUSCAGLIA, G C; CUMINATO, J A; STEWART, I W; WHEATLEY, D J. A Generalized mathematical representation of the shape of the Wheatley heart valve and the associated static stress fields upon opening and closing. IMA JOURNAL OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS. v.87, p.537 - 567, 2022.

Contatti:
paola.antonietti@polimi.it
luca.formaggia@polimi.it
marco.verani@polimi.it