How can you optimize the design of an artificial heart valve?

Artificial heart valves are devices that replace damaged or diseased valves in the human heart. They can improve the quality of life and survival of patients with heart valve disorders. However, designing an artificial heart valve is a complex and challenging task that requires a multidisciplinary approach and a deep understanding of the interactions between the valve, the blood flow, and the heart. In this article, you will learn how to optimize the design of an artificial heart valve by considering some key aspects of bioengineering biomechanics and biofluids.

1 Function and structure

The first step to optimize the design of an artificial heart valve is to define its function and structure. The function of a heart valve is to regulate the direction and pressure of blood flow through the heart chambers and vessels. The structure of a heart valve is composed of leaflets, a ring, and a support system. The leaflets are flexible flaps that open and close in response to the blood pressure. The ring is a circular frame that holds the leaflets in place. The support system is a set of sutures, hooks, or stents that attach the valve to the heart tissue.

Add your perspective

Neal O'Neal, PT

President at Pursuit Physical Therapy
(edited)
Report contribution
The valve itself must be like the rest of the heart in that it must have a rigidity and a dynamic flexibility to allow for changes in the shape of the chest, the pull on the valve and heart, and pericardium from the lungs, the diaphragm and the manubrium/sternum to which the pericardium is adhered. The valves of the heart all have very different dynamic demands of plasticity otherwise the rest of the heart tissue or other tissues in the area will pay the price and cause problems.

Like

2 Material and durability

The second step to optimize the design of an artificial heart valve is to select the material and evaluate its durability. The material of a heart valve should be biocompatible, meaning that it should not cause adverse reactions or infections in the body. The material should also be resistant to wear and tear, fatigue, and calcification, which are common causes of valve failure. There are two main types of materials for artificial heart valves: biological and synthetic. Biological materials are derived from animal or human tissues, such as pig or cow valves or human cadaver valves. Synthetic materials are made from polymers, metals, or ceramics, such as polyurethane, titanium, or carbon.

Add your perspective

Neal O'Neal, PT

President at Pursuit Physical Therapy
Report contribution
The immune system of the heart is “stamped” with specific biomarkers that tell the resident macrophages whether they would attack or not. Does current mRNA technology allow us to determine person-specific peptides/proteins to adhere to the surface of the valve to allay an immune response? Are there general peptides that work for certain blood types or MHC types?

Like

3 Hemodynamics and thrombosis

The third step to optimize the design of an artificial heart valve is to analyze its hemodynamics and thrombosis risk. Hemodynamics is the study of the blood flow and its effects on the valve and the heart. Thrombosis is the formation of blood clots that can obstruct the valve or embolize to other organs. The hemodynamics and thrombosis risk of a heart valve depend on several factors, such as the shape, size, orientation, and opening and closing dynamics of the leaflets, the pressure gradient and turbulence of the blood flow, and the anticoagulation therapy of the patient.

Add your perspective

Neal O'Neal, PT

President at Pursuit Physical Therapy
(edited)
Report contribution
Dynamic flexibility to be able to respond to breathing, changes in cervical, trunk, diaphragm, lumbar movement demands as well as pleural / lung and arteriovenous dimensions changes are required.

Like

4 Biomechanics and fatigue

The fourth step to optimize the design of an artificial heart valve is to assess its biomechanics and fatigue resistance. Biomechanics is the study of the forces and deformations that act on the valve and the heart. Fatigue is the progressive damage and failure of the material due to repeated loading and unloading cycles. The biomechanics and fatigue resistance of a heart valve depend on several factors, such as the stiffness, elasticity, and strength of the material, the stress and strain distribution and concentration on the leaflets and the ring, and the frequency and amplitude of the cardiac cycle.

Add your perspective

5 Compatibility and implantation

The fifth step to optimize the design of an artificial heart valve is to ensure its compatibility and implantation feasibility. The compatibility of a heart valve refers to its suitability for the patient's anatomy, physiology, and lifestyle. The implantation feasibility refers to the ease and safety of the surgical procedure to insert the valve into the heart. The compatibility and implantation feasibility of a heart valve depend on several factors, such as the size and shape of the valve and the annulus, the type and location of the incision and access, and the availability and affordability of the device.

Add your perspective

6 Evaluation and testing

The sixth and final step to optimize the design of an artificial heart valve is to evaluate and test its performance and reliability. The evaluation and testing of a heart valve involve both in vitro and in vivo methods. In vitro methods are laboratory experiments that simulate the conditions and parameters of the heart and the blood flow, such as pressure, flow rate, and viscosity. In vivo methods are animal or human trials that measure the outcomes and complications of the valve implantation, such as survival, function, quality of life, and adverse events.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

How can you optimize the design of an artificial heart valve?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Function and structure

2 Material and durability

3 Hemodynamics and thrombosis

4 Biomechanics and fatigue

5 Compatibility and implantation

6 Evaluation and testing

7 Here’s what else to consider

Bioengineering

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Bioengineering

More relevant reading