College of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Bandar Al-Jefn Honors Rakan Nazer for His Invention of a Trileaflet Mechanical Heart Valve

Photography: Yasser Al-Khudairi

His Excellency the Dean of the College of Medicine, Professor Dr. Bandar bin Nasser Al-Jefn, honored Professor Dr. Rakan bin Ibrahim Nazer, Professor of Cardiac Sciences in the Department of Cardiac Sciences, during the College Council meeting, in recognition of his invention of a trileaflet mechanical heart valve, for which King Saud University was granted a U.S. patent numbered (US 12,751,814 B2), dated October 6, 2026. The innovation is based on a mechanical design consisting of three movable leaflets connected to a central mechanism and a peripheral ring, allowing the leaflets to open and close in a coordinated manner to regulate blood flow and reduce its regurgitation. The invention represents a new concept in the design of mechanical heart valves, targeting the development of leaflet motion engineering and blood flow pathways compared with traditional designs.

This honor comes in recognition of his scientific achievement and contribution to the development of innovative medical solutions, and as part of the College’s commitment to supporting research and innovation among its members.