[The importance of heterologous implants in cardiovascular surgery (author's transl)]

The importance of heterologous transplants in the substitution of heart valves in cardiac surgery and the substitution or bypassing of displaced arteries of the thigh in vascular surgery is discussed with reference to some results and developmental considerations. In addition to the alloplastic valve material, heterologous bioprosthesis from glutaraldehyde-fixed pig's valves has proved useful to an increasing extent for the substitution of diseased and functionally impaired heart valves. The results of followup examinations show equally favorable results in comparison with the alloplastic prosthesis. In vascular surgery, the calf collagen prosthesis has proved a real alternative to the alloplastic Dacron prosthesis at the level of the thigh.