Layer Microdissection of Tricuspid Valve Leaflets for Biaxial Mechanical Characterization and Microstructural...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Mechanics

Background:

• The tricuspid valve (TV) ensures unidirectional blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.
• TV leaflets exhibit unique mechanical behaviors influenced by their four anatomical layers: atrialis (A), spongiosa (S), fibrosa (F), and ventricularis (V).
• Differences in layer thickness and microstructure contribute to varying mechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a protocol for characterizing layer-specific mechanical and collagen fiber architectural behaviors of TV leaflets.
• To enable direct comparison between intact TV tissue and its separated composite layers (A/S and F/V).
• To gather detailed information on TV leaflet microstructure and biomechanical function.

Main Methods:

• Characterize mechanical and collagen fiber architecture of intact TV leaflets.
• Separate TV leaflets into composite layers (A/S and F/V).
• Perform characterizations on separated layers and conduct post-hoc histology.

Main Results:

• The protocol allows for detailed analysis of layer-specific mechanical properties and collagen fiber architecture.
• Direct comparison of intact tissue versus individual composite layers is facilitated.
• Provides comprehensive data on TV leaflet microstructure and biomechanics.

Conclusions:

• This experimental framework yields crucial data for understanding TV leaflet biomechanics.
• The collected information can inform the development of computational models for TV disease.
• This approach supports advancements in clinical treatment strategies for tricuspid valve conditions.