Biodegradable synthetic polymeric composite scaffold‐based tissue engineered heart valve with minimally invasive transcatheter implantation

Prosthetic heart valve replacement is the main treatment for valvular heart disease, but the existing artificial valves (mechanical or biological valve) have inherent disadvantages. Patients with mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation because of the high risk of thromboembolism, while the durability of biological valve is poor, which easily leads to calcification or lobular degeneration. Besides, they all lack the abilities of self‐repair and growth which are very important for adolescent patients with valvular heart disease. To overcome these shortcomings, the researchers developed tissue engineered heart valves (TEHV) with self‐repairing and remodeling capabilities, low immunogenicity, and great durability. The preparation of three‐dimensional porous scaffolds is the key step in the success of TEHV. Because of their easy processing, active chemical properties, great mechanical properties and controllable degradation rate, synthetic biodegradable polymers are widely used in the preparation of TEHV scaffolds. This review summarizes the types, properties and process techniques of biodegradable synthetic polymers, such as polycaprolactone, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, and polyhydroxyalkanoates currently used to prepare the TEHV scaffolds. This review also focuses on the composite methods and performance of synthetic polymer‐based composite scaffolds. The prospects and challenges of the clinical application for minimally invasive implantation of TEHV are also discussed.