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Updated: Jul 5, 2025
Combining 3D-Printing and Electrospinning to Manufacture Biomimetic Heart Valve Leaflets
Published on: March 23, 2022
3D printing of heart valves
Michael J Vernon1, Petra Mela2, Rodney J Dilley3
1T3mPLATE, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and University of Western Australia Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre and University of Western Australia Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
None:
3D printing technologies have the potential to revolutionize the manufacture of heart valves through the ability to create bespoke, complex constructs. In light of recent technological advances, we review the progress made towards 3D printing of heart valves, focusing on studies that have utilised these technologies beyond manufacturing patient-specific moulds. We first overview the key requirements of a heart valve to assess functionality. We then present the 3D printing technologies used to engineer heart valves. By referencing International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Standard 5840 (Cardiovascular implants - Cardiac valve prostheses), we provide insight into the achieved functionality of these valves. Overall, 3D printing promises to have a significant positive impact on the creation of artificial heart valves and potentially unlock full complex functionality.
