Clare Burdett

Improved design of mitral valve rings

My Fellowship project strives to improve the materials and design of mitral valve rings.  These rings are essential to the treatment of ischaemic regurgitation and other mitral diseases, but existing rings are stiff and can restrict the heart’s movement.

I will identify materials that match natural mitral ring properties as closely as possible, produce prototype mitral rings, test and refine these in appropriate ex vivo models and ultimately test functionality in a suitable in vivo model.