Reply: Novel aortic imaging modalities: Mine detectors or just metal detectors

We agree with Ma and colleagues1 about the potential limitations of the finite element analysis and 3-dimensional models derived from computed tomography angiography of the thoracic aorta used by Wang and colleagues2 to measure wall stress. Indeed, unlike tricuspid aortic valves, bicuspid valves are associated with different hemodynamic parameters and thoracic aortic wall substrates that can influence wall stress and the associated clinical downstream consequences. In fact, the study by Wang and colleagues2 made many assumptions, including identical aortic wall composition and thickness and physiologic pressures among all-comers.
Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research