ADVANCES IN HEART VALVE TISSUE ENGINEERING

摘要

Materials to replace malfunctioning or diseased heart valves have been under investigation for more than 45 years. Presently, there are two primary choices for heart valve substitutes: mechanical and xenogeneic bioprosthetic (tissue) valves. Cryopreserved allograft (human) valves are also used but to a lesser extent because of limited supply. Drawbacks to mechanical devices include the need for life-long anticoagulation therapy, bleeding disorders and sub-optimal flow dynamics. Tissue heart valves, display better haemodynamics but have shorter lifetimes due to complications with calcification and leaflet wear.