title: Polymeric heart valves: new materials, emerging hopes.
abstract: Heart valve (HV) replacements are among the most widely used cardiovascular devices and are in rising demand. Currently, clinically available devices are restricted to slightly modified mechanical and bioprosthetic valves. Polymeric HVs could represent an attractive alternative to the existing prostheses, merging the superior durability of mechanical valves and the enhanced haemodynamic function of bioprosthetic valves. After early unsatisfactory clinical results, polymeric HVs did not reach commercialization, mainly owing to their limited durability. Recent advances in polymers, nanomaterials and surface modification techniques together with the emergence of novel biomaterials have resulted in improved biocompatibility and biostability. Advances in HV design and fabrication methods could also lead to polymeric HVs that are suitable for long-lasting implantation. Considering all these progresses, it is likely that the new generation of polymeric HVs will find successful long-term clinical applications in future.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nanotechnology, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Hossein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ghanbari
authors.forename: Helene
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Viatge
authors.forename: Asmeret G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Kidane
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Burriesci
authors.forename: Mehdi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tavakoli
authors.forename: Alexander M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Seifalian
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004867:Equipment Design; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D008422:Materials Testing; D049329:Nanostructures; D036103:Nanotechnology; D011108:Polymers; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers