Optimal microporous surface for endothelialization of metal heart valves in the blood stream.
Optimum surface porosity of a prosthetic heart valve was obtained with use of microspheres less than 40 microns in diameter. A thin and translucent neointima then forms on the valve surface, so thin that its nutrition is supplied by diffusion and thickening will not take place, thereby avoiding interference with the functioning disc. Larger microspheres tend to promote clotting and buildup of fibromyxoid soft tissue, which may cause such interference.
Björk
V O
VO
Heart Institute of the Desert, Eisenhower Medical Center, Rancho Mirage, California.
Sternlieb
J J
JJ
Kaminsky
D B
DB
D000818:Animals; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology*; D006041:Goats; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D008863:Microspheres; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013499:Surface Properties; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior