Per Reinhall, Ph.D.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
"Transient Acoustics of the Human Mitral Valve"

ABSTRACT

Intervention for valvular heart disease is typically not undertaken
until significant physiologic changes have occurred, often with
significant tissue alteration. Earlier intervention may be warranted
when tissue alteration is still limited. However, a good non-invasive
method is necessary to determine these changes. Prior research has shown
some correlation between heart sound frequency and tissue properties.
Most recent research, however, has focused on signal processing
techniques, while largely overlooking the mechanics of heart sound
generation. The purpose of this study is to add to the understanding of
the genesis of the first heart sound by examining the effect of tissue
alterations and conformational changes of the mitral valve on its
transient acoustic vibrations.