Role of sinus wall compliance in aortic leaflet function.

Functional morphology of the normal aortic root was studied in vitro using 500 frames/s cinematography. Stiffening of the aortic wall by spraying its exterior with plastic adhesive led to compromised function of the leaflets, a phenomenon that may play a role in valve degeneration as it occurs in old-age fibrosis, atherosclerosis, or in connection with certain surgical procedures.