Enter all but one of the CSA, VTI LVOT, and VTI AV into the calculator to determine the Aortic Valve Area; this calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.

Aortic Valve Area Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Aortic Valve Area (AVA) using the continuity equation:

AVA = (CSA * VTI LVOT) / VTI AV

Variables:

  • AVA is the Aortic Valve Area
  • CSA is the Cross-sectional Area of the Aortic Valve
  • VTI LVOT is the Velocity Time Integral of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract
  • VTI AV is the Velocity Time Integral of the Aortic Valve

To calculate the Aortic Valve Area, multiply the Cross-sectional Area of the Aortic Valve by the Velocity Time Integral of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract, and divide the result by the Velocity Time Integral of the Aortic Valve.

What is Aortic Valve Area?

The aortic valve area is a specific region in the heart that plays a crucial role in the cardiovascular system. It is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, which is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aortic valve itself is composed of three small flaps of tissue called cusps that open and close to regulate blood flow, ensuring it only moves in one direction – from the left ventricle into the aorta. The size of the aortic valve area is significant because if it becomes narrowed, a condition known as aortic stenosis, it can impede the flow of blood and force the heart to work harder, potentially leading to serious health complications.

How to Calculate Aortic Valve Area?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Aortic Valve Area.

  1. First, determine the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter (cm).
  2. Next, determine the velocity time integral (VTI) of the LVOT (cm).
  3. Next, determine the velocity time integral (VTI) of the aortic valve (cm).
  4. Next, calculate the LVOT area (cm²) using the formula: LVOT area = π * (LVOT diameter/2)².
  5. Finally, calculate the Aortic Valve Area (cm²) using the formula: Aortic Valve Area = LVOT area * (VTI of aortic valve/VTI of LVOT).

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

LVOT diameter (cm) = 2.5

VTI of LVOT (cm) = 20

VTI of aortic valve (cm) = 15

Using the given variables, calculate the Aortic Valve Area.