UBC Okanagan researchers have created the first-ever nanocomposite biomaterial heart-valve that can be inserted without the need to open up a chest.

By using a newly developed technique, the researchers were able to build a more durable valve that enables the heart to adapt faster and more seamlessly.

Assistant professor Hadi Mohammadi runs the Heart Valve Performance Laboratory through UBC Okanagan害羞草研究所檚 School of Engineering. Lead author on the study, he says the newly developed valve is an example of a transcatheter heart valve, a promising new branch of cardiology.

These valves are unique because they can be inserted into a patient through small incisions rather than opening a patient害羞草研究所檚 chest害羞草研究所攁 procedure that is generally safer and much less invasive, according to a UBCO press release.

害羞草研究所淓xisting transcatheter heart valves are made of animal tissues, most often the pericardium membrane from a cow害羞草研究所檚 heart, and have had only moderate success to date,害羞草研究所� he says. 害羞草研究所淭he problem is that they face significant implantation risks and can lead to coronary obstruction and acute kidney injury.害羞草研究所�

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The new valve solves that problem by using naturally derived nanocomposites害羞草研究所攁 material assembled with a variety of very small components害羞草研究所攊ncluding gels, vinyl and cellulose. The combination of their new material with the non-invasive nature of transcatheter heart valves makes this new design very promising for use with high-risk patients, according to Mohammadi.

害羞草研究所淣ot only is the material important but the design and construction of our valve means that it lowers stress on the valve by as much as 40 per cent compared to valves currently available,害羞草研究所� says Dylan Goode, a . 害羞草研究所淚t is uniquely manufactured in one continuous form, so it gains strength and flexibility to withstand the circulatory complications that can arise following transplantation.害羞草研究所�

Working with researchers from Kelowna General Hospital and Western University, the valve will now undergo vigorous testing to perfect its material composition and design. The testing will include human heart simulators and large animal in-vivo studies. If successful, the valve will then proceed to clinical patient testing, the release says.

READ MORE: Doctor says Canadian-led heart valve surgery details will 害羞草研究所榖low people害羞草研究所檚 minds害羞草研究所�

害羞草研究所淭his has the potential to become the new standard in heart valve replacement and to provide a safer, longer-term solution for many patients.害羞草研究所�

The new design was highlighted in a paper published this month in the Journal of Engineering in Medicine with financial support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

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