Multiscale multimodal characterization and simulation of structural alterations in failed bioprosthetic heart valves
Journal article, 2023

Calcific degeneration is the most frequent type of heart valve failure, with rising incidence due to the ageing population. The gold standard treatment to date is valve replacement. Unfortunately, calcification oftentimes re-occurs in bioprosthetic substitutes, with the governing processes remaining poorly understood. Here, we present a multiscale, multimodal analysis of disturbances and extensive mineralisation of the collagen network in failed bioprosthetic bovine pericardium valve explants with full histoanatomical context. In addition to highly abundant mineralized collagen fibres and fibrils, calcified micron-sized particles previously discovered in native valves were also prevalent on the aortic as well as the ventricular surface of bioprosthetic valves. The two mineral types (fibres and particles) were detectable even in early-stage mineralisation, prior to any macroscopic calcification. Based on multiscale multimodal characterisation and high-fidelity simulations, we demonstrate that mineral occurrence coincides with regions exposed to high haemodynamic and biomechanical indicators. These insights obtained by multiscale analysis of failed bioprosthetic valves serve as groundwork for the evidence-based development of more durable alternatives. Statement of significance: Bioprosthetic valve calcification is a well-known clinically significant phenomenon, leading to valve failure. The nanoanalytical characterisation of bioprosthetic valves gives insights into the highly abundant, extensive calcification and disorganization of the collagen network and the presence of calcium phosphate particles previously reported in native cardiovascular tissues. While the collagen matrix mineralisation can be primarily attributed to a combination of chemical and mechanical alterations, the calcified particles are likely of host cellular origin. This work presents a straightforward route to mineral identification and characterization at high resolution and sensitivity, and with full histoanatomical context and correlation to hemodynamic and biomechanical indicators, hence providing design cues for improved bioprosthetic valve alternatives.

Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulations

Small Angle X-ray Scattering

Calcium phosphate

Calcification

Collagen mineralisation

Electron Microscopy

Author

Elena Tsolaki

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)

Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)

Pascal Corso

University of Bern

Robert Zboray

Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)

Jonathan Avaro

Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)

Christian Appel

Paul Scherrer Institut

Marianne Liebi

Chalmers, Physics, Materials Physics

Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)

Paul Scherrer Institut

Sergio Bertazzo

University College London (UCL)

The London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN)

Paul Philipp Heinisch

Technical University of Munich

UniversitatsSpital Bern

Thierry Carrel

University Hospital of Zürich

UniversitatsSpital Bern

Dominik Obrist

University of Bern

Inge K. Herrmann

Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)

Acta Biomaterialia

1742-7061 (ISSN) 18787568 (eISSN)

Vol. 169 138-154

Subject Categories

Materials Chemistry

Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems

DOI

10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.044

PubMed

37517619

More information

Latest update

3/7/2024 9