New technique for construction of tissue heart valves

ABSTRACT A new technique for the construction of frame-supported tissue heart valves made of dura mater is presented. Three symmetrical pieces of pentagon-shaped tissue are used instead of the conventional quadrangular shape. A symmetrical trileaflet valve with adequate coaptation and less spherical formation of the cusps is obtained. The design characteristics suggest that regurgitation through the valve will be prevented, there will be less resistance to flow, and less strain on the leaflets during closure. This technique has been applied clinically in 37 patients with very satisfactory early results. A longer follow-up of the patients is necessary for comparison of the results with other techniques of construction. The improved results of heart valve replacement d;epend on many factors. These include improve-ment in materials and designs of prosthetic devices, and the methods of preservation and techniques of construction of bioprostheses, as,well as advances in surgical technique. Bioprostheses have gained popularity in recent years, because of their sup.erior haemodynamic properties and freedom from thromboembolism. Improved methods of preservation and tech-niques of construction seemed to increase durability. Long-term results have been reported for various types of tissue valve-for example, porcine valves, calf pericardium, and homo-logous dura mat.er valves.1-4 The object of this paper is to present a new technique of construction of frame-supported tissue valves. heart valve graft support. Manufactured by BIO