Comparison of heart valve bioprosthesis anticalcification treatment method’s efficacy in experimental models

Every year a lot of people suffering from congenital or acquired heart valve diseases overcome heart valve surgery. Heart valve prosthesis industry is developing new models, and many trials are taking place to investigate new chemical agents and technologies, to create heart valve substitute similar to native, suitable for all patients, no need to use anticoagulants. The aim of this study is to investigate different tissue treatment methods intended to lower or eliminate tissue calcification after implantation and to evaluate their efficacy in experimental models. Research models were managed in special order to perform experiments in series in vitro and later on in vivo and step by step expanded in extent. Porcine aortic and pulmonary artery valved conduits were chosen as the most similar to human ones in terms of anatomy and function. Residual calcium level, histological structure and valve function were assessed. There were well known agents, such as glutaraldehyde and also new ones – alanine, norvaline, and previously investigated – carbodiimide. Carbodiimide had the most impact on tissue decalcification. It was compared to novel technology – decellularization, which showed even better results in close postoperative period by means of calcification mitigation, well preserved function