Glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium used in valve repairs

In the 1960s and 1970s, mitral valve replacement was the highest risk of all cardiac procedures, with a 20% to 30% mortality rate. Fortunately, there have been major advancements in the procedures for repair or replacement of heart valves. Some of the newer surgical procedures have become far less invasive and hospital stays have been shortened. One of these advancements is the use of autologous pericardium, commonly known as a pericardial patch. Since the procedure uses the tissue, th une reaction factor is eliminated. The use of a glutaraldehyde soaking technique to strengthen the pericardial tissue in the replacement and repair procedure for mitral valve replacement is discussed in this article. The prepaation of the glutaraldehyde soaking solution is a high-risk procedure, and compounding pharmacists play a very important role in properly preparing the glutaraldehyde soaking solution for the cardiovascular surgeon.