A new polymer valve for mechanical circulatory support systems

Abstract

A new low-cost artificial heart valve with easily modified dimensions according to its application was developed using segmented polyurethane (SPU). It consists of a convex frame and a concave membrane which floats in the center of the frame while working. The hydrodynamic performance of the polymer valve was compared with that of the Björk-Shiley mechanical valve using a mock circulatory testing system. The hydrodynamic performance of this valve was superior to the Björk-Shiley mechanical valve. The valve was applied to a ventricular assist device (VAD) developed in our institute. In vivo performances of these systems were tested using mongrel dogs. During the experiments, there were no complications related to malfunction of the valve. At postmortem examinations, no thrombus formation was found on the valve surface, and no embolus was detected in the kidneys. We believe this valve could prove a very useful alternative for valves of mechanical circulatory support systems (MCSS) such as VAD and TAH.