For Several decades at Harefield Hospital and Harefield Heart Science Centre, the clinical and research activities have concentrated on the development and implementation of innovative techniques for the treatment of heart valve disease. In the laboratory this necessitates a thorough understanding of the complex functions of a living heart valve. Ongoing research in this area has resulted in efforts to develop a tissue engineered living heart valve.
The prototype of such a valve is currently undergoing pre-clinical testing.
Future availability of this valve should enhance both the survival and quality of life of children and adults requiring heart valve replacements. This is envisaged to have a major impact on the treatment of heart valve disease in developed and developing countries.
