Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation Model in a Beating Heart Platform

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Clinicians require advanced preclinical models to evaluate new treatments for functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR).
• The complex anatomy of the tricuspid valve necessitates realistic models for testing therapeutic interventions.
• Existing models may not adequately replicate the hemodynamic conditions crucial for FTR assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and functionally assess a novel passive beating heart model for the pulmonary circulation.
• To create a model capable of tightly controlling functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR).
• To provide a realistic preclinical platform for evaluating FTR treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized porcine hearts within a model actuated by a volumetric pump to cyclically pressurize the right ventricle.
• Induced in-vitro FTR by exploiting ventricular dilation under pressure, leading to papillary muscle displacement and annulus enlargement.
• Employed constraint bands to restore tricuspid valve competency and assessed hemodynamics.

Main Results:

• The model consistently replicated key pulmonary hemodynamic determinants across various working conditions.
• The developed FTR model demonstrated reliability, ease of control, and good long-term stability.
• Echocardiography and fiberscope imaging enabled detailed investigation of valve dynamics.

Conclusions:

• The novel passive beating heart model offers a reliable and controllable platform for studying FTR.
• The system accurately simulates pulmonary hemodynamics and FTR, suitable for preclinical research.
• This model serves as a valuable tool for realistic training and testing of emerging FTR therapies.