3-D Printing of Anatomically-Accurate and Physiologically-Relevant Heart Models for Bioprosthetic Valve Testing (2020-01-31)

Abstract

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to treat severe aortic stenosis has exceeded the number of surgical aortic valve replacements done in the United States, because of its higher rates of success and lower risk of mortality, especially in older patients. While TAVR valves can achieve immediate relief of obstruction, complications such as aortic rupture and conduction abnormalities such as complete heart block may still occur, which require additional treatment. While it is believed that such valve complications may be exacerbated by pre-existing conditions, the underlying mechanisms causing such failures has not been well studied. In addition, there is currently no method to test the effectiveness of these valves under conditions that are specific to the patient. By applying a combination of Chemistry, Materials Science, and Engineering concepts, we want to develop a proof-of-concept of a 3-D printed heart model for bioprosthetic valve testing that is anatomically-accurate and physiologically-relevant to a patient and his/her underlying condition. The central hypothesis is that the effectiveness of such implants is influenced by the growth and remodeling of the surrounding native tissue in response to localized changes to the micromechanical and fluid flow environment due to the stented valve; understanding such changes to the cellular microenvironment will guide the design of TAVR implants to reduce the incidence of complications.