Project R-7698

Poly-Valve: Polymeric prosthetic heart valve for life, creative chemistry for a sustainable future (Research)

Implanting a new heart valve is the only effective treatment in patients with a defective heart valve. The replacement of heart valves in OECD countries is increasing in OECD countries and is expected to grow to 850 000 euros per year in 2050. Current implanted biological heart valves can regulate blood circulation, but aren't optimal because of degradation and sustained clotting problems, resulting in reduced quality of life of the patient. These problems usually lead to a new surgery being necessary and cause premature death in 50-60% of patients within 10 years after the implantation of the valve. An ideal heart valve prosthesis will reduce these complications drastically. Polymer, artificial heart valves made from the latest polymer materials have features that strongly improve the durability and compatibility for blood. So far it was not possible to actually use polymeric prosthetic valves because of several problems- including calcification, material degradation and thrombotic adverse reactions. Poly-Valve research aims to develop new polyurethane polymers, that will provide a strong reduction of antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties of artificial heart valves, and thus an extended symptom-free period for the patient. With the latest 3D printing technology the polyurethane heart valve can be made with extreme precision, corresponding to the dimensions of the heart valve of the patient. That way we want to invest in a new, cheap, non-toxic, solid and elastic polymer material containing extremely attractive properties, low rejection reactions and a high compatibility for blood. This new polymer material will also be used for a wide range of other biomedical applications.

01 October 2016 - 31 March 2021