Abstract
Background Polymeric heart valves are constructed from flexible synthetic materials, therefore
aiming to combine the advantageous hemodynamic of biological and the longevity of
mechanical valve prostheses. One such valve prototype in development is the PIZZA
valve constructed of flexible triangular silicone leaflets on a foldable metal base
for perspective transcatheter implantation. Here we present further improvements in
its performance through structural modifications.
Methods Structurally modified prototypes were constructed from silicone sheets and stainless-steel
wires. Their performance was then tested in a hemodynamic testing device of the type
HKP 2.0.
Results Shift from a planar to a cone shape as well as overlapping of the leaflets significantly
improved the valves performance, reducing regurgitation as well as systolic pressure
gradients.
Conclusions The results of the modified prototypes expressed superior performance and represented
a step forward on the road to an easily producible, polymeric transcatheter valvular
prosthesis.
Keywords
heart valve surgery - aortic valve and root - heart valve - transapical - percutaneous
(TAVI)
