ISSN:
1540-8191
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Background: Biological heart valve substitutes, manufactured from either porcine or bovine tissue, have been in use for more than 30 years. Despite low thrombogenicity and excellent performance, bioprosthetic heart valves tend to degenerate and calcify early in young patients because of patient and valve related factors. The aim of this study was to examine the calcification behavior of glutaraldehyde-preserved kangaroo heart valves in a juvenile sheep model. Methods: Porcine (n = 10) and kangaroo (n = 10) valved conduits were implanted in the descending aortic position of juvenile sheep and retrieved after 6, 8, and 12 months. Retrieved valved conduits were examined for morphological changes and calcification of the valve tissue, using Von Kossa's stain technique and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: Structural valve deterioration, characterized by increased stiffness and severe calcification, occurred in 100% of the porcine conduits within 4 months. Kangaroo valve leaflets were significantly (p 〉 0.001) less calcified at 6 months (3.39 ± 1.80 μg/mg), 8 months (5.86 ± 4.57 μg/mg), and at 12 months (14.38 ± 6.72 μg/mg), compared to porcine valves at 3 months (176.45 ± 42.88 μg/mg) and at 4 months (154.67 ± 52.67 μg/mg). Porcine aortic wall tissue was more calcified (118.24 ± 42.86 μg/mg) than kangaroo aortic wall tissue (79.55 ± 26.40 μg/mg). Conclusions: Kangaroo heart valves calcify less than porcine heart valves. These findings suggest that a different donor valve tissue has a lower calcification potential probably due to a difference in the morphological ultrastructura. This could result in improved long-term durability of kangaroo heart valves.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-8191.2001.tb00540.x
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