[Bovine jugular venous conduit treated with the polyepoxy compound]

To determine the feasibility whether the bovine jugular venous conduit (BJVC) can be fixed with polyepoxy compound (PC).

Twenty-four BJVCs were divided into 3 groups and fixed with polyepoxy compound (PC group, n = 8), glutaraldehyde (GA group, n = 8), and unfixed group (Control group, n = 8), respectively. The morphologic and mechanical properties of BJVCs in the 3 groups, including thickness, diameter, moisture content, denaturation temperature, tensile strength, elongation at break, and fixation index were measured. The rat subcutaneous model for the assessment of tissue calcification was used. The calcium content in bovine jugular vein patches and valves was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

There was no difference in the wall thickness, diameter, and tissue water content between PC and the control group, but significant difference was found between GA and PC groups. The mechanical properties of PC group and GA group were not significantly different, but they were better than those of the control group. GA-fixed BJVC samples showed clear calcification, while PC fixed BJVC were calcified significantly less.

PC is an effective and suitable choice for the treatment of BJVC since it can effectively preserve the structure and the anti-reflow function of valves in bovine jugular vein and it has better anti-calcification properties.