Cardiovascular tissue engineering: From basic science to clinical application

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Valvular heart disease is a growing health concern, particularly in the elderly, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
• Current heart valve replacement options (mechanical, bioprosthetic) have limitations and often require reoperation.
• There is a critical need for durable, lifelong heart valve solutions due to increasing life expectancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs).
• To outline the design, validation, and clinical translation pathway for novel TEHVs.
• To discuss the potential and challenges of TEHVs in clinical application.

Main Methods:

• In-silico and in-vitro models for assessing valve design, function, and compatibility.
• In-vivo preclinical models to evaluate remodeling and growth potential of TEHVs.
• Review of existing literature on TEHV studies, including those reaching clinical trials.

Main Results:

• TEHVs offer a promising regenerative approach to overcome limitations of current valve prostheses.
• A structured pathway involving in-silico, in-vitro, and in-vivo models is essential for TEHV development.
• Several TEHV studies have progressed towards clinical translation, demonstrating feasibility.

Conclusions:

• Tissue engineering holds significant potential for creating self-repairing, durable heart valves.
• Overcoming translational obstacles is key to widespread clinical application of TEHVs.
• Continued research and validation are necessary to realize the full benefits of TEHVs for patients.