YoungHeartValve provides a fully synthetic, balloon-expandable TAVR valve with hyaluronan‑enhanced polymer leaflets that resist thrombosis, calcification, and eliminate the need for lifelong anticoagulation. The device’s low‑profile stent and dynamic sealing technology reduce paravalvular leak and improve coronary access, while its animal‑free, automated manufacturing lowers cost and scales production for broader market adoption.
Funding
$2.8M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices rely on animal-derived tissue leaflets, which are prone to thrombosis, calcification, and require lifelong anticoagulation, while also demanding costly, labor‑intensive manufacturing processes.
Solution
YoungHeartValve offers a fully synthetic, balloon‑expandable TAVR valve that incorporates hyaluronan‑enhanced polymer leaflets. The hyaluronan is interpenetrated throughout a low‑density polyethylene matrix, creating a permanently hydrophilic, biocompatible surface that resists protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and mineral nucleation. Pre‑clinical chronic animal studies demonstrate durable hemocompatibility, absence of calcification, and no need for chronic anticoagulation. The valve’s low‑profile design and proprietary dynamic sealing technology reduce paravalvular leak and facilitate coronary access. Because the device is animal‑free, manufacturing can be automated, scalable, and cost‑effective, enabling broader market reach.
Target Audience
Primary customers are structural heart interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgery centers, and medical device manufacturers seeking a durable, low‑cost TAVR solution for low‑risk and expanding patient populations.
Features
- Hyaluronan‑integrated polyethylene leaflets (≈98% LLDPE, 2% HA) forming a bulk interpenetrating polymer network for long‑term anti‑thrombotic and anti‑calcification performance
- Balloon‑expandable, low‑profile stent architecture that minimizes tissue trauma and improves coronary access
- Proprietary dynamic sealing technology (DST) that significantly reduces paravalvular leakage within one hour of deployment
- Scalable, fully synthetic manufacturing process eliminating animal tissue supply chains and reducing capital intensity
- Hemodynamic leaflet shaping that mimics native curvature for superior flow dynamics
- Demonstrated pre‑clinical safety in 6‑month juvenile sheep studies with no calcification, thrombosis, or need for lifelong blood thinners