Innovation
The researchers have developed an improved biologic heart valve with three leaflets using electrospinning to deposit three nanofibrous layers (the first radially oriented, the second randomly oriented, and the third circumferentially oriented) that support native tissue growth and mimic biological heart valve function and performance.
Background
Cardiac valves control blood flow within the heart by opening and closing their leaflets to create and release pressure differentials, directing blood flow in one direction. Diseased or damaged leaflets can impair valvular function and disrupt blood flow, necessitating surgery to repair or replace the valve. Current options for valve replacement are limited, with blood thinners needed for synthetic valves, and undesirably short life spans for biological valves, which can sometimes necessitate a second valve replacement surgery.
The heart valve has the potential to combine the strengths of both the synthetic and biological approaches to valve replacement by growing native tissues on a tri-layered nanofibrous scaffold that mimics the three layers found in naturally grown heart valves.
Applications
- Heart valve replacement
Advantages
- Potential for long product lifespan
- Potential to outperform both synthetic and biological valves
Additional Details
Owner: University of Missouri - Columbia
IP Protection Status: Patent Issued