Abstract
Impact force and strains induced by impact between the occluder and the struts have been measured with force sensor and strain gages. The maximum reaction force was about 25N, and the calculated impact force on the root of the struts amount about 9-17W. Impact force on the inlet strut is greater than that of the outlet strut, but the strain on the outlet strut is much higher than that of the inlet strut. These values might cause severe damage on the valve in the critical cases. The results of this study may be extended for the analysis of the endurance limit and optimal design of the struts and occluder.