Cryopreserved pulmonary homograft valved external conduits: early results

Cryopreserved homograft pulmonary valves were used as a valved external conduit between the right ventricle and native pulmonary arteries in 21 patients with complex congenital heart disease. The technique used to construct the conduit was modified after incompetence of the valve was detected early in 3 of the first 9 conduits. The next 12 conduits remained competent. This experience suggests that early valve competency can be achieved if the valve is not distorted during construction of the conduit.