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Aldehyde reduction in a novel pericardial tissue reduces calcification using rabbit intramuscular model
Hao Shang1, Steven M Claessens1, Bin Tian1
1Edwards Lifesciences LLC, One Edwards Way, Irvine, CA, 92614, USA.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|December 22, 2016
Summary
A novel bovine pericardial tissue treatment significantly reduces bioprosthetic valve calcification by 95-96%. This aldehyde capping method also minimizes inflammation, enhancing tissue durability.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Calcification is a primary limitation for bioprosthetic valve longevity.
- Existing treatments for pericardial tissue have limitations in preventing calcification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel bovine pericardial tissue treatment for enhanced calcification resistance.
- To compare this new treatment against existing methods using porcine and bovine pericardial tissues.
Main Methods:
- Implantation of treated tissue discs in a rabbit intramuscular model for 60 days.
- Analysis using X-ray imaging, calcium quantification, and histology.
- Assessment of aldehyde levels in pre-implanted tissues.
Main Results:
- The novel treatment demonstrated a 95-96% reduction in calcification compared to controls.
- Histology revealed a significantly lower inflammatory response with reduced macrophages and giant cells.
- Pre-implantation aldehyde analysis showed reduced free aldehyde levels in the novel treated tissue.
Conclusions:
- Aldehyde capping chemistry and glycerolization effectively inhibit calcification in bovine pericardial tissue.
- The novel treatment offers superior resistance to calcification and reduces inflammatory responses.
- Reduced free aldehydes are hypothesized to be the mechanism behind the improved calcification resistance.
