Currently, malfunctioning heart valves are replaced via highly invasive and costly open-heart procedures. A new alternative approach is a catheter deliverable or percutaneous heart valve. Current PHV prototypes utilize fixed animal tissue as valves. This research investigated the feasibility of an artificial PHV and the development of a delivery system. A left hea11 simulator and a tensile tester were used to characterize the hydrodynamics and mechanics of a novel artificial PHV. Test results showed equal or better in vitro hydrodynamic performance when compared to a St. Jude mechanical valve and an Edwards-Sapien PHV, with a mean pressure drop of u3c15 mmHg and a mean regurgitation of u3c5%. The PHVu27s exceeded requirements for fixation and radial force. The 24 F delivery system successfully delivered and deployed a PHV. The work described herein proves the feasibility of an artificial PHV and delivery system and justifies further investigation into its design and function.
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