We present a new high frequency resonator using a high order mode shape of an annular structure. The basic concept of an annular high frequency resonator (AHFR) is presented and the AHFR is fabricated by using a standard surface micromachining technology. Using theoretical analysis, the resonant frequency of the AHFR was expressed in a simple form. On this basis, a theoretical formula for the A...

OBJECTIVES Ischemic mitral regurgitation results from annular dilatation, leaflet tethering and leaflet flattening. Undersized annuloplasty corrects annular dilatation but worsens leaflet tethering and flattening. This exacerbation of abnormal leaflet geometry may contribute to poor repair results for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR). Using a sheep model of IMR, we hypothesized that posterio...

Ischemic mitral regurgitation is mitral insufficiency caused by myocardial infarction. Recent studies suggest that mitral leaflets have the potential to grow and reduce the degree of regurgitation. Leaflet growth has been associated with papillary muscle displacement, but role of annular dilation in leaflet growth is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that chronic leaflet stretch, induced by pap...

BACKGROUND New insight into the 3D dynamic behavior of the mitral valve has prompted a reevaluation of annuloplasty ring designs. Force balance analysis indicates correlation between annulus forces and stresses in leaflets and chords. Improving this stress distribution can intuitively enhance the durability of mitral valve repair. We tested the hypothesis that saddle-shaped annuloplasty rings h...

BACKGROUND The purpose of this investigation was to study mitral valve 3D geometry and dynamics by using a coordinate-free system in normal and ischemic hearts to gain mechanistic insight into normal valve function, valve dysfunction during ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), and the treatment effects of ring annuloplasty. METHODS AND RESULTS Radiopaque markers were implanted in sheep: 9 in ...

Objective: Annuloplasty rings are used to treat ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), but their exact effects on 3-D geometry of the overall mitral valve complex during acute left ventricular (LV) ischemia remain unknown. Methods: Radiopaque markers were sutured to the mitral leaflet edges, annulus, papillary muscle tips, and ventricle in three groups of sheep. One group served as control (n 1⁄4...

We explore the influence of geometry variations on the structure and the time-dependence of the magnetic field that is induced by kinematic α 2 dynamos in a finite cylinder. The dynamo action is due to an anisotropic α effect which can be derived from an underlying columnar flow. The investigated geometry variations concern, in particular, the aspect ratio of height to radius of the cylinder, a...