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Published on: February 27, 2017
A retrospective comparison of bovine pericardium and polytetrafluoroethylene patch for closure of ventricular septal
1Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. melihus@superonline.com
Insights
This study found no significant differences in outcomes between bovine pericardium and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patches for ventricular septal defect repair. Bovine pericardium is preferred due to better handling, elasticity, and lower endocarditis risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are common congenital heart abnormalities requiring surgical closure.
- Patch materials for VSD repair include autologous tissues, synthetic materials, and animal pericardium.
- Choosing the optimal patch material balances efficacy, safety, and long-term durability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the surgical outcomes of bovine pericardium versus polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patches for isolated VSD closure.
- To evaluate early and mid-term results, including complications and echocardiographic findings.
- To determine the preferred patch material based on clinical and material characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective comparative study of 22 patients receiving bovine pericardium and 57 patients receiving PTFE patches for VSD repair.
- Analysis of immediate post-operative (1 month) and mid-term (up to 5 years) outcomes.
- Echocardiographic assessment at 3 months and annually for calcification, aneurysm, and dehiscence.
Main Results:
- No early mortality in either group.
- No significant differences in calcification or aneurysm formation at 3 months post-operation.
- Four cases of early recurrent VSD due to PTFE patch dehiscence, not statistically significant.
- Annual echocardiography showed some calcification in both groups over time.
Conclusions:
- Both bovine pericardium and PTFE patches demonstrate comparable outcomes for VSD closure in the short to mid-term.
- Bovine pericardium is favored due to superior handling properties, elasticity, and a reduced risk of endocarditis.
- Material choice may influence long-term management and patient outcomes in VSD repair.
Abstract:
This retrospective study compared the immediate post-operative (first month) and mid-term (up to 5 years post-operation) results of 22 patients with isolated ventricular septal defects who underwent surgical correction with bovine pericardium with 57 similar patients who received a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch. There were no cases of early (in the first month) mortality in either group and the 3-month post-operative echocardiographical studies showed no evidence of calcification or aneurysm formation around the patch. Recurrent ventricular septal defects due to dehiscence of the patch occurred in the early follow-up period in four patients who had the PTFE patch but this was not statistically significant. Annual echocardiographical examination revealed some calcification in both groups. We conclude that although there are no significant differences between the two materials in outcome after ventricular septal defects closure, we prefer bovine pericardium because of its handling characteristics, elasticity and the lower risk of endocarditis.
