The Anticalcific Effect of Glutaraldehyde Detoxification on Bioprosthetic Aortic Wall Tissue in the Sheep Model

Porcine aortic roots implanted in the distal aortic arch of young sheep

Glutaraldehyde (GA) extraction process using high volumes of Urazole solution (acetic acid buffer, pH 4.5, 37 degrees C, 1 week) followed by NaBH4 reduction (2 days, 37 degrees C) after fixation at 0.2%, 1.0%, or 3.0% GA

Porcine aortic roots fixed at 0.2%, 1.0%, or 3.0% GA without the detoxification process

Calcium levels measured quantitatively by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and qualitatively by light microscopy on Von Kossa stains at 6 weeks and 6 monthssurrogate