Basic research on aortic valve neo-cuspidization using Graphite Sheets

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K18173
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 55030:Cardiovascular surgery-related
• Research Institution: Kanazawa University
• Principal Investigator: Yamamoto Yoshitaka 金沢大学, 附属病院, 助教 (80532275)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 大動脈弁形成術

Outline of Final Research Achievements

From the beginning of the research, the problem was the separation of the graphite sheet from the simulated valve ring when it was sutured to the ring. We tried to observe the valves under beating heart by using a 3D printer to create a simulated valve ring, suture the graphite sheet, and insert it into a phantom circuit to simulate cardiac function. However, due to the instability caused by the fragility of the valve ring suture, it was difficult to proceed to the next stage of research, such as valve mobility and durability, as planned. The lack of elasticity of the graphite sheet, like that of self-pericardium, was considered to be a problem.

Free Research Field

心臓血管外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

グラファイトシートが心膜の代替として使用可能であれば、自己心膜よりも耐久性に優れた材料として、現在の手術方法に変わる選択肢の一つとなることが期待された。しかし、シートの部分的な亀裂から用意に離開するため、条件を変えて実験を行ったが、この問題の解決は容易ではないことが判明した。実用化にむけて、自己心膜の様な弾力性が必要であり、どのように弾力性を加えていくかが今後の問題点であると考えられた。