Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement from Autologous Pericardium with a Self-Expandable Nitinol Stent in an Adult Sheep Model
Published on: June 8, 2022
Tricuspid valve replacement with a melody stented bovine jugular vein conduit
Joshua L Hermsen1, Lester C Permut1, Tim C McQuinn2
1Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.
Insights
The Melody valve, a bovine jugular vein conduit, offers a novel surgical option for infant tricuspid valve replacement. This approach may address limited pediatric valve replacement choices and accommodate growth.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Limited options exist for atrioventricular valve replacement in infants and small children.
- The Melody valve is increasingly used for percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement in pediatric patients.
- The Melody valve's ability to be serially dilated accommodates somatic growth.
Observation:
- This study reports the initial experience of using the Melody valve for surgical tricuspid valve replacement.
- The procedure was performed in an infant patient.
Findings:
- The Melody valve was successfully utilized as a surgical tricuspid valve replacement in an infant.
- This represents an initial application of the Melody valve beyond its typical pulmonary indication.
Implications:
- This surgical approach may expand treatment options for complex congenital heart disease in infants.
- Further research is warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of this technique.
- The Melody valve's adaptability offers potential for lifelong management of pediatric valve disease.
Abstract:
Atrioventricular valve replacement options are limited in infants and small children. The Melody stented bovine jugular vein conduit is being used with increasing frequency for percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement. The Melody valve can be serially dilated over time to accommodate the somatic growth of pediatric patients. We report the initial experience of using the Melody valve as a surgical tricuspid valve replacement in an infant.

