Bioengineered Chordae Tendineae: New Hope for Mitral Valve Repair

Pioneering procedure marks significant leap forward in tissue engineering for cardiology

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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In a groundbreaking achievement, surgeons have successfully implanted a bioengineered chordae tendineae – a critical component of the heart's mitral valve – in a large animal model. This pioneering procedure, performed by Professor Maria Grandinetti of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, marks a significant leap forward in tissue engineering for cardiology and offers hope for improved treatment of mitral valve disease, a condition affecting over 24 million people globally.

Why it matters

The mitral valve, responsible for regulating blood flow between the heart's chambers, relies on chordae tendineae to function correctly. Damage or rupture of these 'tendon-like' structures can lead to mitral regurgitation, where blood leaks backward, straining the heart. Current repair methods often utilize synthetic materials like expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), which, whereas durable, lack the biological properties of natural tissue and can result in complications like stiffness, fibrosis, and long-term issues.

The details

The BioChord project, coordinated by the Fondazione Rimed and supported by the European Research Council, takes a radically different approach. 'This isn't simply a suture material; it's tissue engineering,' explains Antonio D'Amore, project leader and a researcher at the University of Palermo and the University of Pittsburgh. The bioengineered chordae tendineae is designed to closely replicate the natural structure and, crucially, to degrade over time, being replaced by the patient's own tissue.

  • The successful implantation procedure was performed in February 2026.

The players

Professor Maria Grandinetti

A surgeon at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore who performed the pioneering procedure.

Antonio D'Amore

The project leader of the BioChord project and a researcher at the University of Palermo and the University of Pittsburgh.

Fondazione Rimed

The organization that coordinated the BioChord project.

European Research Council

The prestigious program that supported the BioChord project.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't simply a suture material; it's tissue engineering.”

— Antonio D'Amore, Project leader, BioChord project (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Further research and clinical trials are necessary to fully evaluate the potential of bioengineered chordae tendineae for mitral valve repair.

The takeaway

This successful implantation of a bioengineered chordae tendineae represents a pivotal moment in cardiac care, offering a glimpse into a future where damaged heart valves can be repaired with tissues that seamlessly integrate with the body, restoring optimal cardiac function and improving the lives of millions.