Despite over 40 years of research, the goal of creating mechanical heart valves that work consistently and precisely inside the human body continues.

University of British Columbia scientists have developed a valve design that could serve as the basis for a new generation of bi-leaf mechanical heart valves.

The study published in the Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology says that the new apex heart valve design can eliminate the problem of continuous blood flow, which is a significant risk for patients, especially thanks to the valve curvature that reduces coagulation.

The study results could take the current 'gold standard' for heart valves to a new level of reliability and form the basis for the next generation of biplane mechanical heart valves.

Scientists are currently in the process of developing 3D-printed, carbon and aluminum prototypes of the valve for further testing.

Reference: Mohammadi H, et al. The Apex bileaflet mechanical heart valve. Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology, 2021; 1 http://doi.org/10.1080/03091902.2020.1853835