Polymeric Heart Valves: the state of the art

In recent years, with the increasing number of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart valve stenosis and/or insufficiency), the attention paid to prosthetic heart valves has grown significantly. The development of a device that fully replaces the functionality of the native valve remains a challenge. Polymeric heart valves have the potential to better mimic native valves, combining the durability of mechanical valves with the biocompatibility of bioprosthetic ones. Over the years, novel biomaterials (such as promising new polymers and nanocomposites), and innovative designs have been explored for possible application in developing polymeric heart valves (PHVs). In the present work, the evolution of PHVs in terms of material, design, and fabrication are illustrated, including in vitro and in vivo studies. Moreover, the drawbacks associated with the implementation of prosthetic valves are highlighted, and possible future directions for their further development are discussed.