MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTOPERICARDIUM AND INDICATIONS FOR ITSAPPLICATION IN SURGERY

We compare the mechanical characteristics under uniaxial tension of hu man pericardium in native form and stabilized by glutaraldehyde soluti on. We assess the effect of the media (water, hypertonic and physiolog ical solutions) on the change in the mechanical properties of the stab ilized autopericardium. We determine the optimal concentration of the stabilizing solution and the treatment time ensuring the required prop erties of the autopericardium. We present data from analysis of the mo rphological changes occurring in the transplant and the results of the operations.