Key result
J-3 polyurethane heart valve demonstrates superior hydrodynamics with minimal pressure drop versus commercial valves.
The novel J-3 polyurethane heart valve demonstrates favorable in vitro hydrodynamic performance and durability, suggesting potential for reduced thrombus formation and calcification.
May inform next-generation valve prototypes to reduce thrombosis risk; leaves open in vivo durability and clinical translation.
The aim of this new three-leaflet valve development was to design a leaflet with minimum membrane stresses during performance. This is achieved by manufacturing the valve leaflets shaped almost flat in a medium opening position. Thus, the leaflets have two stable positions, one with maximum opening area and the other with favorable stress distribution in the closed position. The transition between the two end positions is achieved through a two-dimensional rolling motion without buckling and with minimum membrane stresses (bulge forces). The manufacturing technique is dip-coating in polyurethane. Hydrodynamic evaluation of the J-3 valve in steady and pulsatile flow showed minimum pressure drop compared to other commercially available valves. Laser-Doppler-anemometry studies indicated very low shear stresses in the flow field downstream of the valve. In durability tests prototypes have reached lifetimes of up to 17 years. In conclusion, the J-3 valve shows superior hydrodynamic performance thereby reducing potential thrombus formation. Minimization of stresses within the valve leaflets through design could reduce calcification.
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Jansen et al. (1991) studied this question. J-3 flexible-leaflet polyurethane heart valve prosthesis vs. other commercially available valves was evaluated on Hydrodynamic performance, pressure drop, shear stresses, and durability. The J-3 flexible-leaflet polyurethane heart valve prosthesis demonstrated superior hydrodynamic performance with minimum pressure drop and low shear stresses compared to other commercially available valves.
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