Antimineralization treatments in stentless porcine bioprostheses: an experimental study.
OBJECTIVE
Photo-oxidation treatment of porcine stentless bioprostheses (Photofix) was compared with glutaraldehyde fixation, with either AOA (Freestyle valve) or Tween-80 (Edwards Prima Plus valve).


METHODS
Six valves of each type were implanted in juvenile sheep, in the pulmonary position. Valves were explanted after three or six months and examined macroscopically, by X-radiography, and by light and transmission electron microscopy. Calcium content was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.


RESULTS
The cusps of all valves were free of calcification, and had normal histology and function. Calcium contents (median +/- IQR) were 0.63+/-0.45, 0.73+/-1.46 and 0.46+/-1.42 microg/mg for the Photofix, Freestyle and Prima Plus valves, respectively (p = NS). Calcium contents of the aortic wall portions were 0.71+/-1.27 (Photofix), 10.78+/-77.22 (Freestyle) and 28.70+/-66.53 (Prima Plus) (p <0.05 for Photofix versus Freestyle or Prima Plus).


CONCLUSIONS
Photo-oxidation of a porcine stentless valve prevents calcification not only in the cusps, but also in the aortic wall portion.
Flameng
W
W
Department of Cardiac Surgery, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium.
Ozaki
S
S
Meuris
B
B
Herijgers
P
P
Yperman
J
J
Van Lommel
A
A
Verbeken
E
E
D000818:Animals; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D005404:Fixatives / Q000009:adverse effects; D005976:Glutaral / Q000009:adverse effects; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D023421:Models, Animal; D011664:Pulmonary Valve / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D012756:Sheep; D015607:Stents; D013552:Swine
D005404:Fixatives; D002118:Calcium; D005976:Glutaral