Engineering challenges and the future prospects of transcatheter mitral valve replacement technologies: a comprehensive review of case studies

Expert Rev Med Devices. 2017 Apr;14(4):297-307. doi: 10.1080/17434440.2017.1305267. Epub 2017 Mar 17.

Abstract

Catheter based Interventional procedures have become an indispensable treatment option for patients contraindicated for surgical heart valve replacement . The broad spectrum of disease that affect the mitral valve have increased the need for a transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) device. As complex as the mitral valve anatomy is, so are challenges in the development of a TMVR device. Areas covered: This review article analyses the challenges in the development of the TMVR device from an engineering perspective of material and device design. The major sections in this paper discusses the engineering challenges in the development of TMVR device, material & design considerations, surface coating, present and future of TMVR, delivery catheter specifications and commercial prospects of the TMVR. This article highlights the current status in the development of each of the devices based on the outcome clinical trials and case studies. The literature analysis was carried out using the keywords search. Expert commentary: This section concludes with the need for collaborative efforts from the medical and engineering expertise for the successful development of TMVR device. Overcoming the anatomical challenges with engineering innovations would create new frontier in TMVR technologies.

Keywords: Percutaneous; catheter; minimally invasive surgery; mitral valve; transcatheter intervention; valve replacement.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Forecasting
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / methods*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / trends
  • Humans
  • Mitral Valve / surgery*
  • Prosthesis Design*