A team of researchers at UBC Okanagan has developed a groundbreaking mechanical heart valve called the iValve, which combines the strengths of both tissue valves and mechanical valves. Tissue valves perform better than mechanical valves but have a shorter lifespan, while mechanical valves last longer but require patients to take daily anticoagulants. The iValve offers the durability of mechanical valves with the performance of tissue valves, potentially making life easier and safer for patients. The valve was created through a collaboration with ViVitro Labs and independent consultants, funded by Angeleno Medical, and published in the Journal of Biomechanics.
The iValve is unique in that it is designed specifically for high-heart-rate applications, making it suitable for pediatric patients with small hearts. The researchers have successfully tested the prototype in mechanical lab tests and plan to move on to animal and clinical trials in the near future. The valve is designed to allow blood flow to the aorta, the body’s largest artery, and could potentially be adapted for use in the mitral valve as well. Dr. Dylan Goode, the Heart Valve Performance Lab Manager, is optimistic about the potential benefits the iValve could bring to patients, noting that it could improve hemodynamic performance and eliminate the need for regular anticoagulant therapy.
The development of the iValve represents a significant engineering innovation coming from UBC and Canada. Dr. Hadi Mohammadi, the lead researcher, and his team have overcome the long-standing challenge of perfecting mechanical heart valve technology for pediatric patients, opening up new possibilities for improving outcomes in this population. The iValve is the first of its kind to be designed and built in Canada, showcasing the expertise and innovation present in Canadian research institutions. The researchers are hopeful that the iValve could be ready for clinical trials within two years, paving the way for new advancements in heart valve replacement technology.
The iValve has the potential to transform the lives of patients with heart valve disease, offering a solution that combines the best features of existing valve technologies. By providing the structural benefits of a mechanical valve while improving hemodynamic performance, the iValve could enhance the quality of life for patients and reduce the risks associated with long-term anticoagulant therapy. Dr. Goode’s doctoral dissertation, which documents the design, fabrication, and testing of the iValve, highlights the significant progress made by the research team in developing this innovative technology. The iValve has the potential to revolutionize heart valve replacement procedures and improve outcomes for patients of all ages.
The research team’s collaboration with ViVitro Labs and independent consultants highlights the importance of partnership and collaboration in advancing medical technology. By combining expertise from different disciplines and institutions, the researchers were able to develop a groundbreaking solution that addresses a critical need in the field of cardiovascular medicine. The unique design of the iValve, tailored for high-heart-rate applications, demonstrates the team’s commitment to innovation and excellence in engineering. The future looks promising for the iValve, with potential applications in other types of heart valves beyond the aortic valve.
Overall, the development of the iValve represents a significant advancement in heart valve replacement technology, with the potential to improve outcomes for patients of all ages. The combination of tissue and mechanical valve features in the iValve offers a new solution for patients with heart valve disease, providing durability, performance, and safety in one device. The researchers’ dedication to innovation and collaboration has led to the creation of a unique valve design that has the potential to transform the field of cardiovascular medicine. With ongoing testing and clinical trials, the iValve could soon be available to patients, offering new hope for those in need of heart valve replacement.
