Evaluation of TiNi Thin Film Heart Valves for Transcatheter Valve Replacement

Thursday, May 21, 2015: 10:35 AM
Conference Theater (Crowne Plaza)
Mr. Klaas Loger , Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
Dr. Rodrigo Lima de Miranda , Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
Mr. Alexander Engel , Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
Prof. Georg Lutter , Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
Prof. Eckhard Quandt , Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
In recent years, technological progress enabled the fabrication of next generation devices for transcatheter heart valve replacement. In this respect, shape memory thin film technology has been shown to have a great potential regarding the fabrication of complex geometrical structures from materials with high cyclic mechanical stability and excellent biocompatibility.

The aim of this work is engineering efficient, long durable, less thrombogenic, thin heart valve leaflets for transcatheter implantations, completely fabricated from a TiNi shape memory alloy. Due to its superelastic properties the transcatheter TiNi valve is self-expanding at the time of release from the catheter. Furthermore, its thin film design allows high crimpability of the prosthesis and therefore delivery within a smaller catheter compared to conventional bioprosthetic valves.

For this purpose, structured freestanding thin films were produced by means of magnetron sputtering, UV lithography and wet etching. Subsequently, planar thin films were shape set into a 3D heart valve leaflet geometry using a specifically designed mould. Systolic efficiency and diastolic sufficiency of the fabricated valves were evaluated regarding leaflet film thickness and design. The results were compared to bioprosthetic reference heart valves to demonstrate the feasibility of TiNi thin film leaflets.

Funding by the DFG is gratefully acknowledged.

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