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In-vitro calcification study of polyurethane heart valves
Parnian Boloori Zadeh1, Scott C Corbett2, Hamid Nayeb-Hashemi1
1Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, 334 Snell Engineering Center, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-5000, USA.
Summary
Polyurethane heart valves show promising calcification resistance compared to tissue valves. Bisphosphonate modification did not enhance this resistance, and cyclic loading caused surface cracks.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Cardiovascular Engineering
Background:
- Tri-leaflet polyurethane heart valves are explored for heart valve replacement.
- Assessing calcification resistance is crucial for prosthetic valve longevity.
- Polyurethane (Angioflex®) is a candidate material for these valves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the calcification resistance of Angioflex® polyurethane heart valves.
- To investigate the effect of bisphosphonate modification on calcification resistance.
- To analyze the impact of mechanical loading on valve calcification.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Angioflex® tri-leaflet heart valve prostheses using solvent-casting.
- Accelerated life testing in synthetic calcification solution with cyclic leaflet motion.
- Evaluation of calcification resistance in unmodified and bisphosphonate-modified valves.
Main Results:
- Angioflex® demonstrated potential for higher calcification resistance than tissue valves.
- Bisphosphonate-modified Angioflex® valves did not show improved calcification resistance compared to unmodified valves.
- Cyclic loading induced surface cracks on calcified valve leaflets, with unclear penetration depth.
Conclusions:
- Angioflex® is a viable material for prosthetic heart valves with good intrinsic calcification resistance.
- Bisphosphonate modification does not enhance the in-vitro calcification resistance of Angioflex®.
- Mechanical stress can influence the surface characteristics of calcified polyurethane heart valves, warranting further investigation.
