Madeline Setear, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island
BME 181 First Presentation, March 6th, 2017
Abstract— Heart valve failure makes up a significant portion of Cardiovascular diseases. Heart valves fail when they are damaged and deteriorating or when they have congenital deformities. Heart valve replacement methods have improved greatly in the past decade. Currently, Mechanical and Biological Heart valve prosthesis exist but both shortcomings for pediatric patients.
I. Introduction
C
ardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of human mortality worldwide. Degenerating of the fibrosa layer compromises healthy valve function. Heart valves include the aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid and mitral valves. The fibrosa layer lies above the spongiosa and ventricularis layers, and is composed of valvular interstital cells and collagen fibers. The inner fibrosa layer is where pathophysiologic changes occur. These changes result in valvular dysfunction [3]. Congenital deformities in valves of pediatric patients require a very small prosthetic valve. The valves required are not currently available. Another requirement for pediatric patients is that the valve must grow as they grow. Mechanical heart valve prosthesis is formed from the combination of pyrolytic …show more content…
Mechanical valves have come a long way since, but have deficincies such as being prone to infection and graft rejection [1]. Mechanical valves require a patient to take anticoagulation medication such as warfarin to prevent valve thrombosis but this can increase the risk of bleeding. Mechanical valves provide durability and can last for decades which is optimal for younger patients but are only efficient if a patient can handle anticoagulation therapy [4]. Another shortcoming of Mechanical valves is there inability to grow with the patient and regnerate