Can bioprosthetic valve thrombosis be promoted by aortic root morphology? An in vitro study

Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis has been considered uncommon, but recent studies have shown that it is more frequent than previously thought. ...Two compliant aortic root phantoms with different morphologies (symmetrical and patient-specific) were fabricated with silicone. A bioprosthetic aortic valve was inserted in both phantoms.... ...Blood flow in the aortic root and the washout of the sinus portion are significantly affected by aortic root morphology.... ...The flow loop was actuated by a piston pump (ViVitro Systems Inc., Victoria, BC, Canada)...