An Analytical Model of the Instantaneous Transvalvular Pressure Gradient Through an Aortic Stenosis

Diagnosis and treatment of aortic stenosis largely depends on accurate determination of the pressure difference before and after the valve, known as transvalvular pressure gradient (TPG). Clinically, TPG is obtained using Doppler echocardiography though sometimes invasive cardiac catheterization has to be used to confirm Doppler echocardiography findings. By solving analytically coupled fluid and solid domain equations, we suggest a formulation that with a good degree of accuracy can be used to calculate TPG. Analytical result is validated using experimental data from literature. The suggested methodology is an alternative to cardiac catheterization and helps to prevent its risks.Copyright © 2010 by ASME