Innovative Y-shaped hydrogel mitral clip with magnetic actuation and hydrophilic janus surface for enhanced valve leaflet repair

We developed a magnetically responsive Y-shaped hydrogel mitral clip for minimally invasive repair of mitral regurgitation. Fabricated through a multilayer assembly strategy, the clip integrates a polyurethane layer featuring a biomimetic inverse opal architecture to enhance tissue adhesion, a GelMA/Fe₃O₄ hydrogel for magnetic actuation, a flexible epoxy acrylate scaffold for mechanical compliance, and a biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane interface. The clip exhibits Janus wettability, with a hydrophilic inner surface to promote effective leaflet anchoring and a hydrophobic outer surface to minimize blood fouling, thus optimizing device-tissue and device-fluid interactions. Performance was validated through in vitro, ex vivo, and computational studies, confirming precise magnetic clamping, strong adhesion, and mechanical resilience under simulated physiological conditions. Hemocompatibility evaluations demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of blood interaction and reduced thrombogenicity when benchmarked against commercial alternatives. This soft, adaptive device supports minimally invasive deployment and reliable leaflet fixation, offering a promising approach for next-generation transcatheter mitral valve repair with enhanced tissue integration and blood compatibility.