Mohammadi, along with doctoral student Arpin Bhullar, has developed an innovative mechanical bileaflet that enables the mechanical heart valve to function just like the real thing. A bileaflet valve – two semicircular leaflets that pivot on hinges – is a mechanical gateway that allows consistent blood-flow and ensures the flow is in one direction.
While developed decades ago and used regularly to improve a patient's blood flow, artificial valves have never been perfect, says Mohammadi. With existing versions of bileaflets, there is a small risk of blood clots or even a backflow of blood.
The design of the bileaflet is crucial for maintaining blood flow in order to eliminate risk to the patient. Mohammadi believes he's found a way to fix the problem, by adding a slight twist to the design.
"Our findings show our apex heart valve maintains consistent flow as a result of its breakthrough design – specifically the valve's curvature which mitigates clotting."
The initial design was confirmed by Dr. Guy Fradet, head of Kelowna General Hospital's cardiothoracic surgery program. Mohammadi says it takes decades for innovations in mechanical heart valves before they are used on humans, but he is confident his novel leaflet-shaped valve is the way of the future.
"The work we're doing has resulted in the design of a valve which may serve as the foundation for the next generation of bileaflet mechanical heart valves," he says. "Our research, with computer simulation and in-vitro studies, helped evaluate the performance of the proposed valve and also compare it to the industry gold standard."
MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus
