ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on biomechanical and surgical aspects, with relevance to Aortic valve (AV) treatment solutions. It discusses the biological structure, including histological aspects, and then describes the AV dynamic function. The chapter focuses on AV anatomical malformations and their failure mechanisms, using anatomical and functional descriptions and classifications. Specific geometrical measures have also been proposed in the literature to evaluate the AV performance and have been adapted to the clinical routine. Aortic stenosis (AS) refers to the narrowing of the AV opening during systole, producing an obstruction of the left ventricular outflow. One common AV lesion is aortic insufficiency, also known as aortic regurgitation, in which the valve does not close completely in diastole, allowing blood to flow in the reverse direction. The geometry and dimensions of the AV can be obtained using medical images and segmentation tools, following manual or automatic approaches. Aortic valve replacement is the definitive therapy for severe AS; it typically involves open-chest surgery.
