Collection of Cardiac Valves
The development of cardiac valve prostheses marks one of the most important milestones in modern medical technology. The Collection of Cardiac Valves at TU Dresden constitutes a unique archive of this progress, which has improved the lives of millions of people. With around 730 exhibits, from the earliest prostheses of the 1950s to the latest innovations from 2024, the collection describes the continuous evolution of artificial heart valve prostheses over the past 75 years. Of particular note is a specimen of the cardiac valve developed by Michael DeBakey in Houston/Texas (Surgitool, 1972), which marked the introduction of pyrolytic carbon for the production of artificial cardiac valves.
Die Ausstellung der künstlichen Herzklappenprothesen ist in übersichtlichen Glasvitrinen katalogisiert und kategorisiert zu betrachten. Im Ausschnitt sind unterschiedliche Größen von Kippscheibenprothesen zusehen (Medtronic Hall 1977/ Björk Shiley 1969).
However, the collection is not just an archive, but a living inspiration for research, teaching and innovation. By linking historical developments with modern innovations, it shows how technological advances are constantly reshaping medical thinking. It also provides valuable insights for the further development of prostheses and inspires the optimization of existing technologies. An outstanding example of this is the current turn towards biological valves made of animal tissue, which builds on previous experience with mechanical cardiac valves made of metal and seeks to overcome their limitations.
The Collection of Cardiac Valves is therefore not only a glimpse into the past, but also a window into the future of medical technology.
Contact
Universitätsklinik an der Technischen Universität Dresden
Herzzentrum Dresden GmbH
Klinik für Herzchirurgie
Fetscherstrasse 76, 01307 Dresden
Prof. Dr. med. Utz Kappert
Ltd. senior physician & deputy clinic director
Tel. 0049 351 450-1805 / Mobile 25138