Transcatheter Valve Evaluating Technology Group

Development of Accelerated Durability Testing Apparatus for Transcatheter Aortic Valves

The durability of transcatheter aortic valves has been known for only up to 5 years. In our laboratory, we are developing an accelerated durability testing system that can perform tests 20 times faster than in vivo and measure the load acting on the valve leaflets to evaluate the durability quantitatively and quicker than in the human body.

 　　  

Visualization of blood flow in the sinus of Valsalva after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Thrombosis has become a problem as a complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. In our laboratory, we have developed a pulsatile circulation circuit that simulates coronary circulation. By visualizing the blood flow in the sinus of Valsalva in an in vivo equivalent environment using particle image velocimetry, we can quantitatively evaluate the influence of the implantation method and other factors on thrombogenicity.

　　　

Measurement of Strain Distribution in a Small Diameter Vessel Model Using Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry (Tomo-PIV)

In catheterization, it is essential to experimentally evaluate the effects of different techniques and devices on the vasculature. Our laboratory has developed a method to experimentally measure 3D strain distribution using tomographic particle image velocimetry, which enables us to measure 3D strain in elastic bodies during dynamic deformation with a high temporal resolution, which is not possible with conventional measurement methods.