HYDERABAD: An electrically activated mechanical heart valve developed by Hyderabad-based cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Lokeswara Rao Sajja has shown promising results in an animal study, offering a potential new approach to reducing patients’ dependence on lifelong blood-thinning medication following heart valve replacement.
The findings, published in ‘Scientific Reports’, a Nature journal, examined whether applying a controlled negative electrical charge to the blood-contacting surface of a mechanical heart valve could prevent the formation of blood clots. The study was conducted in a swine model in collaboration with researchers from the Sajja Heart Foundation.
Mechanical heart valves are known for their durability and are often preferred for younger patients. However, their artificial surfaces can trigger platelet adhesion and clot formation, requiring lifelong anticoagulant therapy. While excessive use of blood thinners increases the risk of bleeding, inadequate medication can result in life-threatening clots.
Explaining the concept, Dr Sajja, senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon and chairman of the Sajja Heart Foundation, said the research was inspired by the body’s natural defence against clot formation.
The inner lining of healthy blood vessels contains a negatively charged layer known as the endothelial glycocalyx, which repels blood cells and proteins, preventing them from adhering to vessel walls. The research team sought to replicate this mechanism on mechanical heart valves by applying a controlled electrical charge to their surfaces.
The redesigned valve system incorporates an electrical lead connected to an implantable pulse generator that maintains a negative charge on the blood-contacting surfaces of the valve. The device delivers electrical pulses at 0.5 volts and is designed to prevent clot formation without stimulating the heart.
During the experimental phase, three pigs received the electrically activated valve, while three others were implanted with conventional mechanical valves. The animals fitted with the electrically activated valves survived for more than 20 weeks after dual antiplatelet therapy was discontinued and did not develop valve thrombosis. In contrast, two of the three animals in the control group developed valve thrombosis and died.
Researchers also found that the batteries powering the electrically activated devices had an estimated remaining lifespan of between 6.5 and eight years.
Dr Sajja cautioned that the findings remain preliminary and are not yet ready for clinical application. The study involved a limited number of animals, and larger preclinical studies will be required before the technology can be considered for human trials.
The research team believes the innovation could eventually provide a non-pharmacological method of preventing blood clots in patients with mechanical heart valves, reducing reliance on lifelong anticoagulant therapy and the associated risk of bleeding complications.
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