A flow chamber to study the performance of artificial heart valves

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The goal of this study was to build a flow chamber to study the hemodynamic performance of a novel artificial heart valve made from cross‐linked aerogels. This low density new material has a significantly improved mechanical strength and a promising biocompatibility with the cardiovascular system. The housing of the flow chamber was made of Teflon and clear PVC. Two aerogel heart valves were fixed opposing in the chamber, to control the flow direction. Through a polyurethane diaphragm, flow was driven by a reciprocating pump. The flow rate of the chamber was fixed at 5L/min with a stroke volume of 80 mL and stroke rate of 72 min−1. The systolic/diastolic ratio was 0.375. The performance of the system was examined using whole blood, platelet rich plasma (PRP) and washed platelets, under static and dynamic conditions. Hemolysis was measured with whole blood using a spectrophotometer. Platelet activation was measured by platelet surface P‐selectin expression after PRP contact with the system. Platelet thrombogenecity was examined using a prothrombinase assay after washed platelets were placed into the chamber. Preliminary results indicate that the flow chamber does not induce hemolysis or platelet activation under static conditions, while its dynamic performance depends on the valves used. These results indicate it is feasible to use the flow chamber to study the hemodynamic performance of artificial heart valves.