Does implantation of pliable bioresorbable elastomeric heart valve prostheses in the aortic position of sheep result in functional neo-tissue formation over 12 months?
Bioresorbable elastomeric aortic valve prostheses in sheep showed mixed structural integrity at 12 months, with limited cell colonization and fiber resorption, indicating further research is needed for in-situ tissue engineering.
Pliable microfibrous, bioresorbable elastomeric heart valve prostheses are investigated in search of sustainable heart valve replacement. These cell-free implants recruit cells and trigger tissue formation on the valves in situ. Our aim is to investigate the behaviour of these heart valve prostheses when exposed to the high-pressure circulation. We conducted a 12-month follow-up study in sheep to evaluate the in vivo functionality and neo-tissue formation of these valves in the aortic position. All valves remained free from endocarditis, thrombotic complications and macroscopic calcifications. Cell colonisation in the leaflets was mainly restricted to the hinge area, while resorption of synthetic fibers was limited. Most valves were pliable and structurally intact (10/15), however, other valves (5/15) showed cusp thickening, retraction or holes in the leaflets. Further research is needed to assess whether in-situ heart valve tissue engineering in the aortic position is possible or whether non-resorbable synthetic pliable prostheses are preferred.
Vis et al. (Tue,) studied this question.