Polymeric Heart Valves

Abstract

Heart valves (HV) are unique elements of the cardiovascular system with the function to provide unidirectional smooth blood flow through the heart chambers and the vasculature by regularly opening and closing throughout each cardiac cycle. Depending on their anatomical position and structural configuration, HVs are subjected to different dynamic workloads and mechanical conditions. The aortic and mitral valves operate in very demanding districts in the left heart, ...