Transcatheter Heart Valves: A Biomaterials Perspective

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Engineering
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Heart valve disease is a growing global health concern, necessitating advanced treatment options.
• Transcatheter heart valve replacement (THVR) is an emerging, minimally invasive procedure for patients with heart valve disease.
• Current THVR technology shows promise, but long-term durability data beyond 20 years is lacking, prompting material performance concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of materials development for transcatheter heart valves (THVs).
• To examine the fabrication, preparation, and assembly of materials used in THVs.
• To discuss current and future trends in THVR biomaterials from a materials science perspective.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of materials science and engineering principles applied to THVR.
• Analysis of native heart valve properties and criteria for ideal THV design.
• Examination of testing methodologies for transcatheter heart valves.

Main Results:

• Detailed account of materials used in THVR, including their properties and applications.
• Overview of fabrication and assembly processes for THVs.
• Identification of key challenges and future directions in THVR biomaterial research.

Conclusions:

• Understanding THVR material science is crucial for improving long-term device performance and durability.
• Continued innovation in biomaterials is essential to meet the increasing demand for THVR procedures.
• This review serves as a guide for materials development in the rapidly advancing field of THVR.