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Innovative Sutureless Fabrication Strategy for Tissue-Engineered Pediatric Heart Valves Using an Evolutive Support
Yannick Rioux1,2, Julie Fradette3,4, Cindy Jean Hayward3
1Département de génie mécanique et de génie industriel, Faculté des sciences et génie, Université Laval, 1065 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada. yannick.rioux.1@ulaval.ca.
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
|July 28, 2026
Summary
This study presents a novel sutureless method for creating tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs) that maintain shape during growth. This approach overcomes limitations of current pediatric prostheses, reducing the need for repeat surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cardiovascular Engineering
Background:
- Pediatric heart valve prostheses lack growth potential, necessitating multiple surgeries.
- Tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs) offer potential for remodeling and accommodating somatic growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sutureless fabrication strategy for TEHVs.
- To eliminate suture-related weak points and preserve valve geometry during in vitro maturation.
- To guide tissue contraction for pediatric target dimensions.
Main Methods:
- A novel evolutive support system was used to form and maintain a fibrin-based valve scaffold with human adipose-derived stromal cells.
- Mechanical constraint guided tissue contraction, allowing only thickness changes.
- Perfusion bioreactor culture for 28 days.
Main Results:
- Geometry was preserved during 28 days of culture.
- Post-culture contraction yielded stable dimensions suitable for pediatric targets.
- Cell viability remained high (>90%), with a 100-fold increase in cell density.
- Progressive collagen deposition improved mechanical properties, with a 9-fold increase in stiffness and 2.5-fold increase in puncture strength.
Conclusions:
- The sutureless strategy enables geometry retention of TEHVs through controlled tissue contraction.
- This method facilitates in vitro maturation and pulsatile conditioning.
- It paves the way for TEHVs with improved long-term functionality for pediatric applications.
