Mechanobiology for transcatheter aortic valve implantation cardiac surgery related annular rupture

Dr Lining (Arnold) Ju, University of Sydney

2022 Vanguard Grant

Years funded: 2023-2023

From 2018 to present, 4,098 transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) were performed in Australia for patients suffering from lift-threatening valvular diseases. TAVI has emerged as a gold standard for aortic valve replacement, due to its low mortality and being less invasive. Through our recent collaboration with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), we observed rare but fatal annular rupture events during and after TAVI (JACC Cardiovasc Intern 2021). However, the biomechanics mechanism underlying the destructive event is not known. This project aims to develop novel aortic valve-on-chip microfluidic devices to investigate TAVI biomechanics. Our research outcomes will be firstly applied for clinical cohort involving TAVI surgery in RPA. Further translation of this project allows us to build an enhanced diagnostic procedure towards better treatment and prognosis evaluation for valvular disease patients and TAVI surgery, not only contributing to Better Health Outcomes, but also leading to Beneficial Change to Health Practice.