3-D Printed Heart Valves
A collaboration between bioengineers at Harvard, the University of Washington and Max Planck Institute in Germany has resulted in 3D printed transcatheter heart valves that have a 3D printed custom spacers for proper, individualized fit. “The system was tested against data from 30 patients who had already undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement; 15 had developed leaks from valves that were too small. The researchers predicted, based on how well the sizer fit into the 3D-printed models of their aortic valves, what size valve each patient should have received, and whether they would experience leaks after the procedure. The system successfully predicted leak outcomes in 60% to 73% of the patients and determined that 60% of the patients had received the appropriate size of valve.” MORE
Image Credit: Wyss Institute Harvard University