Sebastian Hendrickx-Rodriguez
Ph.D. Student in Mechanical Engineering, admitted Autumn 2018
Masters Student in Mechanical Engineering, admitted Autumn 2019
All Publications
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Biomechanical Analysis of the Ross Procedure in an Ex Vivo Left Heart Simulator.
World journal for pediatric & congenital heart surgery
2022; 13 (2): 166-174
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neo-aortic pulmonary autografts often experience root dilation and valve regurgitation over time. This study seeks to understand the biomechanical differences between aortic and neo-aortic pulmonary roots using a heart simulator.METHODS: Porcine aortic, neo-aortic pulmonary, and pulmonary roots (n=6) were mounted in a heart simulator (parameters: 100 mm Hg, 37 °C, 70 cycles per minute, 5.0 L/min cardiac output). Echocardiography was used to study root distensibility (percentage change in luminal diameter between systole and diastole) and valve function. Leaflet motion was tracked with high-speed videography. After 30 min in the simulator, leaflet thickness (via cryosectioning), and multiaxial modulus (via lenticular hydrostatic deformation testing) were obtained.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between aortic and neo-aortic pulmonary leaflet motion, including mean opening velocity (218 vs 248 mm/s, P=.27) or mean closing velocity (116 vs 157 mm/s, P=.12). Distensibility was similar between aortic (8.5%, 1.56 mm) and neo-aortic pulmonary (7.8%, 1.12 mm) roots (P=.59). Compared to virgin controls, native pulmonic roots exposed to systemic pressure for 30 min had reduced leaflet thickness (630 vs 385 m, P=.049) and a reduced Young's modulus (3,125 vs 1,089 kPa, P=.077). In contrast, the aortic roots exposed to pressure displayed no significant difference in aortic leaflet thickness (1,317 vs 1,256 m, P=.27) or modulus (5,931 vs 3,631 kPa, P=.56).CONCLUSIONS: Neo-aortic pulmonary roots demonstrated equivalence in valve function and distensibility but did experience changes in biomechanical properties and morphology. These changes may contribute to long-term complications associated with the Ross procedure.
View details for DOI 10.1177/21501351211070288
View details for PubMedID 35238706