Transcatheter implantation of self-opening pulmonary artery valve in a preclinical animal study

Objective. To evaluate early postoperative and mid-term results of transcatheter implantation of pulmonary artery valve. Material and methods. Mini-pigs ICiG were used in this preclinical study. The object of the study was transcatheter pulmonary valve bioprosthesis. We used 2 healthy white pigs (2 females) aged 12 and 14 months, respectively. Weight of pigs was 56 and 60 kg, respectively. Pulmonary valve implantation was performed through left-sided anterior mini-thoracotomy. Results. Both implantations through mini-thoracotomy were successful. Mean pressure gradient was 14 and 10 mm Hg, respectively. After 3 months, transvalvular pressure gradient was 17.6 and 14.7 mm Hg, respectively. There was no central regurgitation. We observed mild periprosthetic regurgitation in the second animal without any clinical symptoms. Conclusion. Design of new transcatheter self-opening pulmonary valve is safe and effective.