The effect of potassium phosphate, magnesium chloride and T6 as blocking reagents on tissue valve calcification

Potassium phosphate, Magnesium chloride and T6 as blocking agents on tissue valve calcification have been studied in vitro and in vivo. In vitro tests indicate that untreated leaflets (control group) tend to calcify significantly more than treated leaflets (p less than 0.05). Calcification in the treated leaflets tends to be varied with no significant difference (p greater than 0.05) between the different groups. In vivo findings indicate that leaflets in the control group calcify as early as 5 weeks after implantation while treated leaflets showed no significant signs of calcification at this stage. Results deduced from the extractable calcium contents as well as from histological examination, emphasise the need of a blocking reagent to decrease calcification on a valvular bioprosthesis.