The current clinical solutions, including mechanical and bioprosthetic valves for valvular
heart diseases, are plagued by coagulation, calcification, nondurability, and the inability to …

The aortic valve regulates unidirectional flow of oxygenated blood to the myocardium and
arterial system. The natural anatomical geometry and microstructural complexity ensures …

The aortic valve exhibits complex three-dimensional (3D) anatomy and heterogeneity
essential for the long-term efficient biomechanical function. These are, however, challenging …

The aortic valve consists of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) and endothelial cells (VECs).
While these cells are understood to work synergistically to maintain leaflet structure and …

Heart valves are dynamic structures that open and close during the cardiac cycle to maintain
unidirectional blood flow throughout life. Insufficient valve function, commonly due to …

Background Heart valve disease is currently a growing problem, and demand for heart valve
replacement is predicted to increase significantly in the future. Existing “gold standard” …

Decellularized porcine heart valves offer promising potential as biocompatible prostheses.
However, this procedure alter matrix fibres and glycans, leading to lower biomechanical …

The second edition of An Introduction to Biomaterials consists of 33 chapters that have been
conceived and organized as a practical educational road map to provide a fundamental …

Surgical replacement of diseased heart valves by mechanical and tissue valve substitutes is
now commonplace and generally enhances survival and quality of life. However, a …

Cardiac valve disease is a significant cause of ill health and death worldwide, and valve
replacement remains one of the most common cardiac interventions in high-income …