Mechanical Mitral Valve Modeling: Advancing the Field through Emerging Science

Background: Successful mitral valve repair and replacement are dependent upon a full understanding of normal and abnormal mitral valve anatomy and function. The functional components of the mitral valve include: the left atrial wall, the annulus, the leaflets, the chordae tendineae, the papillary muscles, segments of the left ventricular myocardium. Abnormal anatomy or function of any one of these components can result in valvular dysfunction....