Domestic technical textiles Industry Segment-wise consumption of ...

There are two types of artificial heart valves –
• Mechanical heart valve and
• Tissue heart valve
The mechanical heart valves last almost indefinitely, however, they need continuous treatment with
anticoagulants. The tissue valves on the other side do not need anticoagulants, however, they have
shorter life span. Typically the tissue valves command 10% or less market in the heart valves market.
Product characteristics
The heart valve has three parts, a metallic housing, a disc or ball which functions as occlude and a
sewing ring made of synthetic material. The functional requirement of heart valves are as follows:
1. Minimum regurgitation
2. Minimum trans-vascular pressure gradient
3. Non-thrombogenic
4. Low wear/tear
5. Minimal leakage
6. Appropriate valve orifice to anatomical orifice ratio
The mechanical heart valve consists of Ultra high molecular weight-polyethylene (UHMW-PE) disc,
Low density polyethylene plastic with knitted polyester sewing ring and a metallic housing. The
Sewing Ring is fabricated from extensively implant tested, 100% polyester material. The Sewing Ring
fabric is warp - knitted in a specific pattern using texturized yarn with superb tissue ingrowth and long
term blood compatibility. The design and fabrication of the sewing ring gives a firm and secure
seating on the frame and also permits rotation in the ring for proper orientation after suturing in place.
Market size of heart valve and future forecast
The heart valve market in India is approximately Rs. 74 crore. The only producer in India is TTK
Healthcare. The excess demand is met through imports from Edwards Life Sciences, St. Judes Inc.,
and Meditronics. TTK Healthcare also exports a small quantity of production (300 valves) to
neighbouring countries. TTK Healthcare has been experiencing a growth of around 30% y-o-y for
heart valves. Hence, on a conservative side, we have assumed a growth rate of around 20% for the
domestic usage.