Blood Cell Adhesion on a Polymeric Heart Valve Leaflet Processed Using Magnetic Abrasive Finishing

Heart valve prosthetics replace damaged, malfunctioning valves to improve a patient’s quality of life. Current mechanical valves are durable but suffer from thrombogenicity and flow separation, and can cause blood damage leading to coagulation. While bioprosthetic valves have better haemodynamic function than mechanical valves, the valves suffer from tears due to inflammation and collagen degradation. The absence of living tissue leaves them unable to repair themselves and their antigenicity must be masked. Complications due to thrombosis occur between 1.5% and 3% per year for current mechanical and bioprosthetic valves [1]. Polymeric valves have the potential to exhibit improved haemodynamic performance over mechanical valves without the complications associated with bioprosthetic valves; current issues associated with polymeric valves include calcification, hydrolysis, and durability [2].Copyright © 2011 by ASME