Contents
Download PDF
pdf Download XML
187533 Views
10824 Downloads
Share this article
Review Article | Volume 9 Issue 1 (, 2003) | Pages 16 - 20
Aortic root dilation prior to valve opening explained by passive hemodynamics
1
Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Under a Creative Commons license
PMID : -10678371
Published
Jan. 10, 2000
Abstract

Background and aim of study: During the June 1999 World Symposium on Heart Valve Disease, the mechanism by which the aortic valve opens was discussed. It was suggested, indirectly, that the recently discovered contractile elements within the aortic valve may be responsible. We propose that aortic root dilation does not require any active mechanism within the leaflets or aortic wall, and provide an explanation based entirely on the passive hemodynamics of the aortic valve and root.

Methods and results: Previous studies using cine fluoroscopy and sonomicrometry have reported a 5-7% expansion of the aortic root during ventricular contraction, prior to aortic valve opening. Simplified force calculations indicate that the mechanical interactions between the aortic valve and root produce an inward pull on the commissures, constraining the aorta from fully dilating. During systole, as the pressure in the ventricle increases and the aortic valve becomes unloaded, the inward pull on the commissures is reduced and the aorta is able to dilate fully. Aortic dilation therefore occurs before the aortic valve opens.

Conclusion: We conclude that this mechanism of aortic root dilation prior to valve opening is purely passive, and does not require any active process by the aortic valve or the aortic root.

 

 

 

How to cite: Vesely I. (2000). Aortic root dilation prior to valve opening explained by passive hemodynamics. The Journal of heart valve disease9(1), 16–20.

 
Keywords
Recommended Articles
Research Article
Cross Sectional Study on Nutritional Status and Prevalence of Anemia in Rural Adolescents
Published: 26/06/2013
Download PDF
Read Article
Research Article
To Study the Serum Homocysteine Profile Pattern in AMI & Ischaemic Stroke in Young Adults.
...
Published: 30/08/2025
Download PDF
Read Article
Research Article
Incidence, Clinical Profile, Complications and Outcome of Rodenticide Poisoning in Tertiary Care Hospital
...
Published: 26/08/2025
Download PDF
Read Article
Research Article
To Find Out of the Effects of Mother Nutrition Status on Birth Weight, Anthropometric Measurements of Full-Term Newborn
Published: 07/11/2022
Download PDF
Read Article
© Copyright Journal of Heart Valve Disease