Researchers at the University of Waterloo have played a key role in an international project that reduces the risk of blood clots for patients implanted with artificial heart valves. Waterloo and Groningen researchers have shown that a textured heart valve surface can nearly eliminate blood clotting.
These clots in the heart can then cause stroke or heart attack. To avoid these serious risks, lifelong anticoagulant therapy is the standard for those with implanted heart valves. Consequently, the researchers’ new findings are likely to improve the health of many patients by reducing the chances of blood clots. Additionally, other factors that raise the risk of clotting after surgery include cancer, pregnancy, being 55 or older, smoking, obesity, and immobility.
According to Dr. Sushanta Mitra, a professor in Waterloo’s Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering and executive director of the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, “Implanting a prosthetic heart valve saves lives. But under certain circumstances, some medical conditions of patients can trigger deadly blood clots. “We used a technique to know how the blood is interacting with different valves and found out which one is likely to reduce clotting.”.
The research was led by Dr. Mitra and Dr. Sudip Shyam, a postdoctoral fellow in the Micro Nano-Scale Transport Lab. The technique simulated body conditions to test the wettability of heart valve implants submerged in liquid. The Dutch team created the textured heart valve, which Waterloo engineers tested with positive results.
As a result of this research, patients will not have to go through as many valve replacements, Dr. Mitra said. “The quality of life will be better, post-operative, and the periods between the procedures will increase.” That may make a huge difference in the care and results of a patient after surgery for the implantation of a heart valve.
ANI