Current constitutive models of the aortic valve leaflet
are unable to include the contributions of leaflet layers to intact tissue
function. John’s
current work is focused on investigating the layer specific structure-mechanical
properties of the aortic heart valve leaflet. This work utilizes unique
micro-dissection techniques in coordination with planar biaxial testing to
determine mechanical
properties of the leaflet layers. These mechanical properties can then
be used to develop the first structurally guided bilayer constitutive model
capable
of predicting stress variations throughout the thickness of the aortic
heart valve leaflet. Knowledge of these subtle but important layer interactions
will help to better understand the function of the native valve and lay
the
basis for rational heart valve replacement design.
