Abstract:
Described is a heart valve leaflet manufactured from a mesh material. The mesh material may have an ability to capture circulatory/stationary/migratory cells of the body to become biologically active. In some cases, the mesh material is coated with a bioactive material, such as a molecule that binds to a cell adhesion molecule (CAM), a growth factor, an extracellular matrix molecule, a subendothelial extracellular matrix molecule or a peptide. The mesh has a stiffness that is comparable to a native heart valve leaflet, such that it functionally mimics a native heart valve.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a heart valve and, more particularly, to a mold and process shaping and securing cells and tissue layers as they are grown in three-dimensions into a heart valve.