In vitro assessment of the effects of valvular stenosis on aorta hemodynamics and left ventricular function

Calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) is the most common valvular heart disease and is associated with aortopathy and ventricular dysfunction. Hemodynamic alterations due CAS could affect the aorta lining (endothelium), that is in direct contact with the blood, triggering adverse biological responses that may possibly cause aortic dilation and dissection. Also, CAS could impose excessive ventricular load leading to ventricular wall thickening, thus putting an individual at a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. These pathophysiological effects of CAS are highly dependent on the degree of calcification. However, the impact of CAS development on aorta flow and left ventricular workload remains largely unknown. Hence the objective of this study is to measure experimentally the effect of CAS on aorta hemodynamics using particle image velocimetry; and left ventricular function in terms of left ventricular work, at different stages of calcification. This study will provide insights on aorta flow abnormalities and left ventricular overload, due CAS, which can be linked to aortopathy and heart failure.