Nonthrombogenic metal-polymer composites with adaptable micro and macro flexibility for next generation heart valves in artificial heart devices - bioVALVE

Project summary

The project goal is minimizing life-threatening thrombo-emboli formation in pulsatile heart assist devices by a new biomimetic heart valve design based on metal-polymer composites. Heart prostheses support patients with late-stage heart diseases towards recovery or as a bridge to transplantation. In future, they will assist gene therapy to treat myocardial infarction. Besides of deficient blood flow (stagnant zones), state-of-the-art systems with mechanical valves generate platelet activating shear due to a narrow disc-ring gap. The novel composite and valve design solve these pressing medical needs: Injection moulding of polyurethane with a fragile titanium mesh insert combines biologically optimal micro-scale flexibility with macro-stiffness for mechanical function. Added transnational value is joining knowhow in (1) heart valve design for optimal blood flow, (2) haemo-biofunctional coatings, (3) insert injection moulding, and (4) testing, finally on the artificial patient model.