Biomineralization of Heart Valves

Abstract

Maciej Pawlikowski

Studies were conducted on biomineralization of mitral valves and aortic valves as well as heart valve prostheses. Mineralogical methods were used, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with analysis (EDS), as well as X-ray diffractometry and infrared spectrophotometry. It was observed that biomineralization is concentrated both inside the valves and on their surface. It develops in places of damage that are the centers of crystallization. Such damage may have different genesis: it may be genetic, caused by excessive heart work (overloads), by toxins associated with infections, or by external factors. Substances that mineralize the valves are phosphates and crystalline apatite. Among organic compounds the dominant one is cholesterol. Phosphates and cholesterol usually co-exist in different proportions.

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