Pioneering bioinspired heart valves
Next-generation 3D-printed heart valves: inspired by nature, engineered for life
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3D printing heart valves to last a lifetime
The team at Corametix aim to transform heart valve treatment with their durable 3D-printed polymeric heart valves that mimic natural valve performance
Problem
Today’s valves are failing tomorrow’s patients
Aortic stenosis is the most common and life-threatening heart valve disease, affecting 1 in 8 Australians over the age of 65.
Without intervention, severe cases have a 50% mortality rate within two years. Aortic valve replacement is the only treatment. This procedure is increasingly being conducted via a transcatheter – Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) – as a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery.
However, existing valves are not designed to meet long-term needs. Bioprosthetic valves compatible with TAVR often fail within five years, requiring high-risk reoperation, while mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation medications.
Traditional valve manufacturing processes are also expensive and extremely labour-intensive, involving up to 150 staff and 40 days per valve. This limits affordability and scalability, making life-saving treatment inaccessible for many.
As TAVR expands to younger, more active patients, the limitations of current valve technology are increasingly untenable. There is a critical need for next-generation valves that combine long-term durability, biocompatibility, and affordability – at a global scale.
Solution
Precision-engineered valves, designed for life
CoraMetix is transforming heart valve technology with durable, 3D-printed polymeric valves that closely replicate the structure and function of natural human valves, to help ensure safer and longer-lasting solutions for patients.
This patented microarchitecture is engineered for long-term durability – designed to last a patient’s lifetime, far surpassing current bioprosthetic options and eliminating the need for repeat surgeries and lifelong medications associated with traditional options. This innovative device ensures superior strength and flexibility while maintaining safety and compatibility with minimally invasive TAVR procedures. This expanded durability opens the door to treating younger patients (aged 50–65) with moderate disease who are not currently eligible for TAVR.
Impact
Transforming valve care – for every patient
This innovation tackles key gaps in valve treatment, offering a scalable solution to help improve outcomes and ensure life-saving access worldwide. By delivering a valve that is designed to last a patient’s lifetime, it can reduce the need for repeat surgeries, lower healthcare costs, and improve long-term outcomes – especially for younger patients who currently face the burden of valve failure within years.
Using an innovative automated manufacturing process, the cost per valve is targeted at under $100, making them affordable and accessible globally, including in underserved regions. Patients everywhere can benefit from a safer, longer-lasting solution that restores natural valve function and quality of life. Beyond addressing aortic stenosis, this technology can treat other valve diseases like mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.
This isn’t just a new valve – it’s a scalable pathway to longer, healthier lives for millions. By addressing durability, affordability, and performance all at once, we are unlocking the future of global heart care.
Millions suffer from heart valve disease but current treatments either wear out quickly or require lifelong medications. This makes them costly and inaccessible for many.
Abdul Ihdayhid
Project Lead
Meet the team
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Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes about our Catalyst Partner’s project only - see the Disclaimer. If you have any questions or would like more information about this project or Catalyst Partnership Grants, get in touch.
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Last updated01 June 2025