Novel Mechanical Heart Valve

A study has shown that use of a novel mechanical heart valve results in low rates of hemolysis and thromboembolic events.

Using a new computational fluid dynamics model, scientists from the University of Ghent (Belgium) researched and reported on three-dimensional (3D) flow through this new open pivot heart valve in two geometric models, a new technique that improves the understanding of the hemodynamic function of mechanical heart valves. The study confirmed previously published data showing that valve hemodynamics and leaflet motions associated with the Open Pivot heart valve of ATS Medical, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN, USA) are dependent on the shape of the anatomy in which the valve is placed. The study was published in the May 2005 issue of The Journal of Heart Valve Disease.

In an expanding geometry model that simulates native human anatomy, the study's authors found that diverging blood flow interacts with the opening mechanism of the ATS Open Pivot heart valve to reduce transvascular pressure gradients, shear stress on the leaflets, and the potential for damage to platelets and blood cells. These results suggest that the low rates of hemolysis and thromboembolic events commonly reported for the Open Pivot valve may be directly related to the flow patterns through the open pivot design.

Unlike all other mechanical heart valves, the pivot areas of the ATS Open-Pivot heart valve do not contain cavities or recesses that could allow for areas of stagnant flow. Instead, the open pivot hinge protrudes gently into the blood flow, providing continuous passive washing which is thought to be gentler on fragile blood cells.

ATS Medical manufactures and markets products and services focused on cardiac surgery and sells its products in more than 60 countries.





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ATS Medical
U. of Ghent