Hemocompatibility and Hemodynamics of Novel Hyaluronan-Polyethylene Materials for Flexible Heart Valve Leaflets

Overview

Journal Cardiovasc Eng Technol

Publisher Springer

Specialties Biomedical Engineering
Cardiology & Vascular Diseases

Date 2014 Apr 15

PMID 24729797

Citations 14

Authors

David A Prawel

Harold Dean

Marcio Forleo

Nicole Lewis

Justin Gangwish

Ketul C Popat

Lakshmi Prasad Dasi

Susan P James

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Polymeric heart valves (PHVs) hold the promise to be more durable than bioprosthetic heart valves and less thrombogenic than mechanical heart valves. We introduce a new framework to manufacture hemocompatible polymeric leaflets for HV (PHV) applications using a novel material comprised of interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of hyaluronan (HA) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). We establish and characterize the feasibility of the material as a substitute leaflet material through basic hemodynamic measurements in a trileaflet configuration, in addition to demonstrating superior platelet response and clotting characteristics. Plain LLDPE sheets were swollen in a solution of silylated-HA, the silylated-HA was then crosslinked to itself before it was reverted back to native HA hydrolysis. Leaflets were characterized with respect to (1) bending stiffness, (2) hydrophilicity, (3) whole blood clotting, and (4) cell (platelet and leukocyte) adhesion under static conditions using fresh human blood. hemodynamic testing of prototype HA/LLDPE IPN PHVs was used to assess feasibility as functional HVs. Bending stiffness was not significantly different from natural fresh leaflets. HA/LLDPE IPNs were more hydrophilic than LLDPE controls. HA/LLDPE IPNs caused less whole blood clotting and reduced cell adhesion compared to the plain LLDPE control. Prototype PHVs made with HA/LLDPE IPNs demonstrated an acceptable regurgitation fraction of 4.77 ± 0.42%, and effective orifice area in the range 2.34 ± 0.5 cm. These results demonstrate strong potential for IPNs between HA and polymers as future hemocompatible HV leaflets. Further studies are necessary to assess durability and calcification resistance.

Citing Articles

Polymeric Heart Valves: Do They Represent a Reliable Alternative to Current Prosthetic Devices?.

Todesco M, Lezziero G, Gerosa G, Bagno A Polymers (Basel). 2025; 17(5).

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Polymer-Drug Anti-Thrombogenic and Hemocompatible Coatings as Surface Modifications.

Zawidlak-Wegrzynska B, Rydz J, Musiol M, Radziwon-Balicka A Pharmaceutics. 2024; 16(3).

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Early Feasibility Study of a Hybrid Tissue-Engineered Mitral Valve in an Ovine Model.

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Analysis of the Effect of Thickness on the Performance of Polymeric Heart Valves.

Zhou J, Li Y, Li T, Tian X, Xiong Y, Chen Y J Funct Biomater. 2023; 14(6).

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Polymeric Heart Valves Will Displace Mechanical and Tissue Heart Valves: A New Era for the Medical Devices.

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