J Heart Valve Dis
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Comparative Study
In-vivo assessment of a photofixed bovine pericardial valve.
The study aim was to assess the preclinical safety of a bioprosthetic cardiac valve in a large-animal model. The experimental pericardial valve was treated with a dye-mediated photooxidation process (PhotoFix) to enhance durability, and to reduce bioreactivity and mineralization potential. ⋯ In-vivo testing in juvenile sheep showed the PhotoFix pericardial valve to have no device-related mortality, no significant tissue degeneration, and minimal mineralization. In contrast, the control valves had significant valve mineralization and device-related morbidity.
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The study aim was to define the long-term results after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with freehand stentless xenografts. ⋯ Long-term survival and freedom from valve-related adverse events after stentless AVR in an elderly population were satisfactory. Freedom from structural deterioration was excellent and comparable for all xenograft models, while non-structural deterioration may have been more common with one valve model. Despite the advanced patient age, functional improvement late after operation may be expected.