The combined role of sinuses of Valsalva and flow pulsatility improves energy loss of the aortic valve

Normal aortic valve opening and closing movement is a complex mechanism mainly regulated by the blood flow characteristics and the cyclic modifications of the aortic root. Our previous in vitro observations demonstrated that the presence of the Valsalva sinuses, independently from root compliance, is important in reducing systolic pressure drop across the aortic valve. ... The hydrodynamic performances under pulsatile flow regimen were investigated, using a Vivitro System, Inc. ... Direct visualization of valve operating condition was performed, using an ultrafast speed camera (Casio Exlim Ex F1), mounted on top of the Vivitro system [19, 20]. ...