Calcification and structural damage together accelerate porcine pericardium failure.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Cardiovascular Engineering
• Tissue Mechanics

Background:

• Aortic stenosis (AS) is a severe condition requiring bioprosthetic valve replacement.
• Bioprosthetic valve leaflets, often made of porcine pericardium (PP), fail due to calcification and structural damage.
• The interplay between calcification and structural damage, and the effect of device crimping, are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between calcification and structural damage in porcine pericardium (PP).
• To determine if device crimping influences calcification and structural damage in PP.
• To explore the role of fiber architecture in PP failure.

Main Methods:

• PP tissue was subjected to in vitro calcification, cyclic loading, or simultaneous calcification and loading.
• Tissue response was analyzed for calcification, structural damage, and rupture.
• The impact of device crimping on these processes was assessed.

Main Results:

• Simultaneous calcification and cyclic loading significantly increased calcification and structural damage, leading to tissue rupture.
• Device crimping did not significantly affect calcification or structural damage.
• PP fiber architecture influenced rupture location and accelerated the rate of rupture.

Conclusions:

• Calcification and structural damage synergistically accelerate PP failure in bioprosthetic valves.
• Tissue mechanics, influenced by fiber architecture, are critical for minimizing structural damage and calcification.
• Considering fiber architecture in anti-calcification strategies may enhance bioprosthetic valve durability.