Riyadh:King Saud University has been awarded a U.S. patent for developing a tri-leaflet mechanical heart valve, an invention led by Dr. Rakan bin Ibrahim Nazer, a Professor of Cardiac Sciences at the College of Medicine.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the heart valve features a mechanical design with three movable leaflets that are connected to a central mechanism and a peripheral ring. This design allows for coordinated opening and closing of the leaflets, which helps regulate blood flow and minimize regurgitation.

This innovation marks a novel approach in mechanical heart valve design, aiming to enhance leaflet kinematics and blood-flow dynamics compared to traditional valve designs. The patent underscores King Saud University's commitment to medical innovation and its role in advancing heart valve technology.