A value hierarchy for inclusive design of heart valve implants in regenerative medicine.

This paper investigates the conditions for inclusive design of regenerative medicine interventions from a bioethical perspective, taking regenerative valve implants as a showcase. A value hierarchy is construed to translate the value of justice into norms and design requirements for inclusive design of regenerative valve implants. Three norms are proposed and translated into design requirements: regenerative valve implants should be designed to promote equal opportunity to good health for all potential users; equal respect for all potential users should be shown; and the implants should be designed to be accessible to everyone in need. The norms and design requirements help to design regenerative valve implants that are appropriate, respectful and available for everyone in need.