An intraoperative test device for aortic valve repair

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Device Development
• Surgical Visualization

Background:

• Aortic valve repair is evolving from an improvised technique to a standardized procedure.
• Accurate intraoperative assessment of aortic valve function is crucial for successful repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel device for intraoperative testing and visualization of the aortic valve in its diastolic state.
• To improve the reproducibility and assessment of aortic valve repair procedures.

Main Methods:

• Development of a device for intraoperative aortic root pressurization and endoscopic inspection of the aortic valve.
• Securing the device in the transected aorta to mimic diastolic conditions.
• Testing the device in explanted porcine hearts to visualize the valve and measure leaflet coaptation.

Main Results:

• The device allows rapid (under 1 minute) and reversible aortic valve visualization under diastolic pressure.
• It enables direct inspection of the valve before and after repair to assess competence.
• The device was used to measure leaflet coaptation height in normal and repaired valves.

Conclusions:

• The developed device provides a more relevant prerepair assessment of the aortic valve.
• It allows for effective testing of postrepair valve competence under physiological pressures.