Canary in the cardiac-valve coal mine: Flow velocity and inferred shear during prosthetic valve closure –predictors of blood damage and clotting

To demonstrate a clear link between predicted blood shear forces during valve closure and thrombogenicity that explains the thrombogenic difference between tissue and mechanical valves and provides a practical metric to develop and refine prosthetic valve designs for reduced thrombogenicity. Incorporated as Vivitro Systems Inc (VSI), our primary focus was research, design and development of cardiac valve implant devices and on the laboratory test systems required. In 2009, work transitioned into a separate independent research and development enterprise, ViVitro Laboratories Inc. (VLI). The application of unique technology, rapid prototyping and ranking of flow velocity patterns near valve closure optimized experimental valve geometry for reduced thrombus potential compared with control valves.