title: Factors influencing late allograft valve failure.
abstract: Allograft valves are a valuable valve replacement substitute in the surgical management of heart valve disease. It remains the valve substitute of choice in the reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract in children with congenital heart disease and in the Ross procedure. However, its durability remains suboptimal, particularly in children. This article reviews the mechanisms and factors implicated in late allograft dysfunction, with a focus on the evidence for an immunological cause for allograft valve failure. Unravelling the mechanisms of allograft valve failure may allow modification of the allograft to improve its long-term durability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia. yapch@svhm.org.au
authors.forename: Cheng-Hon
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Yap
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yii
mesh_terms: D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000276:immunology / Q000637:transplantation*; D006085:Graft Survival; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011664:Pulmonary Valve / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000276:immunology / Q000637:transplantation*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000276:immunology / Q000379:methods; D019737:Transplants / Q000592:standards*; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents