Translating calcified aortic valve disease to the bench - Use of 3D matrices in the development of future treatment strategies

- Morphological and functional changes in VIC and VEC play crucial roles in pathogenesis (dystrophic & osteogenic) of CAVD.
- Conventional 2D matrices to study such changes are ineffective as matrix stiffness also influences VIC differentiation.
- Novel 3D hydrogel matrices with varying stiffness are emerging as useful means to study CAVD.
- With the help of biomechanics and tissue engineering, it would be possible to devise future treatment strategies for CAVD.