Sensitivity of finite element valve simulations to chordae branching patterns and distributions

Determine how variations in chordae tendineae branching patterns and spatial distributions affect finite element simulations of atrioventricular valve function, including the influence of branching topology on simulated valve closure behavior.

Background

Accurate modeling of chordae tendineae geometry, including branching, is important for realistic finite element simulations of atrioventricular valve closure. However, current clinical imaging typically cannot resolve full chordal topology, leading many studies to use simplified or functionally equivalent chordal models without realistic branching.

Prior work has shown that simplified chordal representations can approximate function under certain conditions, but the extent to which branching patterns and distributions specifically influence simulated valve function had not been clearly quantified, motivating a formal sensitivity assessment.