Trileaflet aortic valve reconstruction with a decellularized pericardial patch in a sheep model.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Aortic valve disease remains a significant clinical challenge.
• Current prosthetic valves have limitations, including calcification and limited durability.
• Decellularized pericardium offers a promising scaffold for tissue engineering in cardiovascular applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of decellularized pericardial patches in trileaflet aortic valve reconstruction.
• To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of this technique in a juvenile sheep model.

Main Methods:

• Trileaflet aortic valve reconstruction using the Ozaki technique with decellularized pericardial patches in a sheep model.
• Post-operative assessment of valve function via transthoracic echocardiography at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months.
• Evaluation of calcification resistance and host cell infiltration at 6 months.

Main Results:

• Survival rate of 50% until planned sacrifice, with 3 animals succumbing to post-operative complications.
• Echocardiography at 6 months showed a large coaptation area with minimal regurgitation.
• Explanted leaflets were soft with minimal calcification in 8 out of 9 leaflets.

Conclusions:

• Decellularized pericardial patches support adequate diastolic function and exhibit resistance to calcification in aortic valve reconstruction.
• The combination of the Ozaki technique and decellularized pericardial scaffold demonstrates favorable hemodynamics and mechanical integrity.
• These findings suggest the potential of decellularized pericardium as a viable material for aortic valve repair.