Prosthetic Heart Valves: Advancements in Bioengineering and 3D Printing Revolutionizing the Industry

Highlights:

• Introduction
• Reasons behind the rising adoption of prosthetic heart valves
• A quick analysis of the innovations in the sector

In the era of globalization, the pace of urbanization and industrialization has increased exponentially, especially in metropolitan cities and towns. The daily routines and dietary habits of people living in these urban areas have changed dramatically, leading to a growth in the number of lifestyle diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, etc. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases has increased significantly due to regular consumption of unhealthy foods, air pollution, sedentary lifestyle, irregular sleep patterns, and hazardous habits such as smoking. Naturally, the number of surgeries and medical operations conducted by healthcare professionals to treat these ailments has also surged. Consequently, the demand for advanced medical gadgets such as prosthetic heart valves has witnessed a rise in contemporary times.

Recent trends in prosthetic heart valves fueling the sectoral growth

Prosthetic heart valves are artificial medical devices used to treat valvular heart disease, wherein the natural heart valves become defective and need to be replaced. Typically, prosthetic heart valves are of two types viz., mechanical and biological. While mechanical components are made from materials like plastic or metal, biological valves are manufactured from animal tissues. As per medical experts across the globe, a person's age mainly decides the type of prosthetic valve they receive.

Mechanical valves are much more durable compared to their biological counterparts. Hence, metal valves made from titanium or carbon fibers are used in younger patients who have a higher expected lifespan. However, a major issue with mechanical valves is that they increase the risk of blood clots, which is why such patients are required to take blood-thinning drugs for the rest of their lives. Since young individuals have better immunity, these medications have minimal negative impact on their health. On the other hand, biological prosthetic valves are sourced from pig heart valves or cow heart tissue and usually have a lifespan of 15 years. Hence, these devices are mainly used for patients of an older age group, generally above 50 years. Moreover, the risk of blood clotting is reduced substantially in the case of biological valves, which eliminates the need for blood-thinning medications.

Innovations in the medical sciences and genetic engineering shaping the industry dynamics

In the last few years, a third type of prosthetic heart valve has been developed by research institutes which offers better comfort and has a longer lifespan. Called bioengineered valves, these components are designed as per the genetic makeup and anatomical features of the patient. Studies have shown that these valves get adapted to the individual’s heart more easily, thus reducing the chances of the body rejecting the device. Furthermore, bioengineered prosthetic valves improve blood flow and cardiac functionality significantly, thereby aiding in faster patient recovery.

Another important development in the prosthetic heart valve industry is the increasing popularity of modern additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. These methodologies aid companies in designing customized prosthetic implants that are suited to the unique medical condition and anatomical features of the patient. These valves fit better in the heart and reduce complications, thus ultimately improving the healthcare outcomes for the individual. Moreover, the cost of 3D-printed valves is much lower as compared to traditional implants, thereby bringing down the expenses related to heart surgery.

Along with this, the launch of ingenious products by multinational companies is anticipated to help the industry gather a revenue of $30.3 billion by 2035. The sector accounted for $8.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to rise at a CAGR of 11.1% during 2023-2035. In the last few years, several such innovative devices have received approvals from governmental agencies, allowing the company to sell their products in the market. For instance, in September 2021, Abbott Laboratories, a medical technology firm, announced that its Epic™ Plus and Epic Plus Supra Stented Tissue Valves had received FDA approval. Designed specifically for treating aortic or mitral valve ailments, these products have become one of the most widely used prosthetic heart implants in recent times.

In essence, the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among people across the globe has increased the revenue share of the prosthetic heart valve industry. Furthermore, innovations in the field of genetic engineering and 3D printing are predicted to strengthen the position of the sector in the coming period. Furthermore, a surge in investments in R&D activities and the launch of high-tech products by multinational giants is anticipated to help the market flourish in the near future.

Get in touch with our experts for the latest investment opportunities in the prosthetic heart valve sector!

Related Post