Effects of Enzyme-Based Removal of Collagen and Elastin Constituents on the Biaxial Mechanical Responses of Porcine Atrioventricular Heart Valve Anterior Leaflets

The leaflets of the atrioventricular heart valves (AHVs) regulate the one-directional flow of blood through a subtle coordination of the tissue's extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including collagen fibers, elastin fibers, and glycosaminoglycans. Dysfunction of the AHVs, such as those caused by unfavorable microstructural remodeling, results in valvular heart diseases and improper blood flow that can eventually lead to heart failure. To...