Blog

Explore groundbreaking research in the article “3D Characterization of the Aortic Valve and Aortic Arch in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Patients,” published in the prestigious medical journal on May 11, 2024. This study offers a deeper understanding of the complex geometries associated with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) conditions, a crucial step towards improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies.

Led by Breandan B. Yeats alongside a team of experts including Dahlia Galvez, Sri Krishna Sivakumar, Kimberly Holst, Venkateshwar Polsani, Pradeep K. Yadav, Vinod H. Thourani, Ajit Yoganathan, and Lakshmi P. Dasi, this research delves into the intricate 3D geometries of the aortic valve and arch in patients with BAV and associated aortic stenosis (AS). The study analyzed pre-TAVR computed tomography angiograms from 59 patients, assessing crucial parameters like valve commissural angle, fusion characteristics, and calcium volume.

This detailed 3D analysis revealed significant patient-specific variations in the aortic arch’s shape, identifying tricuspid-like and bicuspid-like valve morphologies based on the commissural angle, with further classifications based on the extent of fusion and presence of a fused region. The study also quantified the aortic arch’s curvature and area changes, providing new insights into the structural variations that influence patient outcomes.

The findings from this study are pivotal for clinicians dealing with BAV and AS, offering them a more robust framework for understanding and treating these conditions with greater precision. For a comprehensive overview of the methodology, results, and implications of this innovative research, read the full publication.