Hydrodynamic function of a biostable polyurethane flexible heart valve after six months in sheep

Survival to six months for sheep with a non-biostable polyurethane mitral heart valve prosthesis has been reported previously, however, with surface degradation and accumulation of calcified fibrin/thrombus that impaired leaflet motion and compromised hydrodynamic function. Newly available biostable...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of artificial organs 2001-02, Vol.24 (2), p.95-101
Main Authors: Wheatley, D J, Bernacca, G M, Tolland, M M, O'Connor, B, Fisher, J, Williams, D F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biodegradation, Environmental
Durable Medical Equipment
Heart Valve Prosthesis
Hemodynamics - physiology
Microscopy, Electron
Mitral Valve
Polyurethanes
Sheep
Time Factors
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Summary:Survival to six months for sheep with a non-biostable polyurethane mitral heart valve prosthesis has been reported previously, however, with surface degradation and accumulation of calcified fibrin/thrombus that impaired leaflet motion and compromised hydrodynamic function. Newly available biostable polyurethanes may overcome this problem. Six adult sheep with biostable polyurethane trileaflet heart valve prostheses of documented hydrodynamic performance, implanted in the mitral position, were allowed to survive for 6 months. Explanted valves were photographed, resubmitted to hydrodynamic function testing, and studied by light and electron microscopy. Explanted valves were structurally intact and differed little in appearance from their preimplant state. Hydrodynamic testing showed no deterioration in pressure gradient or energy losses compared with pre-implant values. Biostable polyurethanes demonstrated improved blood compatibility leaving leaflets flexible and valve function unimpaired. Biostable polyurethanes may thus improve prospects for prolonged function of synthetic heart valve prostheses.
ISSN:0391-3988
1724-6040
DOI:10.1177/039139880102400207