Mitral leaflet modeling: Importance of in vivo shape and material properties

► Anterior mitral leaflet (AML) reconstructed from in vivo data. ► Finite element model to assess the role of AML in vivo stiffness and geometry. ► In vivo geometry forces ventricular pressure to compress AML radially. ► Effects enhanced AML durability and optimized ventricular outflow hemodynamics. ► Implications on mitral valve modeling and tissue-engineered valves design.