Mechanical heart valves exhibit fracture properties that have been systematically characterized in vitro to inform potential interventional fracturing procedures.
This in vitro study aims to provide systematic data on the fracture properties of mechanical heart valves to support interventional fracturing procedures.
Mechanical valve prostheses may develop serious dysfunctions, leading to end-stage heart failure. In some cases, a high-risk redo operation is not an option. The first cases of interventional fracturing of mechanical valves have already been successfully performed, but systematic data on mechanical prostheses’ fracture properties are lacking.
Jankowska et al. (2026) studied this question. Mechanical heart valves exhibit fracture properties that have been systematically characterized in vitro to inform potential interventional fracturing procedures.