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Published on: March 7, 2025
A thin film nitinol heart valve
Lenka L Stepan1, Daniel S Levi, Gregory P Carman
1Biomedical Engineering Department, University of California at Los Angeles, Room 32-135, Engineering IV, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. lenka@seas.ucla.edu
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|January 28, 2006
Summary
Thin film nitinol (NiTi) shows promise for artificial heart valves, demonstrating comparable flow to tissue valves and no corrosion or thrombus formation in animal studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Medical Device Development
Background:
- Current prosthetic heart valves face limitations in thrombogenicity and longevity.
- Nitinol (NiTi), an alloy with unique properties, is being explored for advanced medical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel prosthetic heart valve using thin film nitinol (NiTi).
- To assess the hemocompatibility, bio-corrosion resistance, and in vivo biocompatibility of thin film NiTi for artificial heart valve applications.
Main Methods:
- A "butterfly" heart valve was constructed using thin film NiTi.
- In vitro flow tests and pressure readings were conducted in a pulsatile flow loop.
- Bio-corrosion tests in Hank's solution and in vivo implantation in pigs were performed.
Main Results:
- Flow rates and pressure tracings were comparable to a commercial tissue valve.
- No signs of corrosion were observed on thin film NiTi after one month in Hank's solution.
- Implanted thin film NiTi in pigs showed no thrombus formation and surrounding tissues were healthy.
Conclusions:
- Thin film NiTi demonstrates excellent hemocompatibility and biocompatibility for prosthetic heart valve applications.
- The developed NiTi heart valve exhibits promising performance characteristics.
- Further long-term studies are warranted, but thin film NiTi is a strong candidate for future artificial heart valves.
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