AUTOLOGOUS GLUTARALDEHYDE-TREATED PERICARDIAL VALVED CONDUIT - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY

Extracardiac conduits in the form of allografts and synthetic tubes co ntaining heterograft valves have been used widely in the management of ventricular outflow abnormalities and for establishing ventriculoarte rial continuity. These procedures are limited by long-term calcificati on as well as by formation of neointimal peel, necessitating reoperati on. In an effort to continue the search for an alternative conduit, we designed and evaluated a valved sinus-bearing conduit fashioned out o f autologous pericardium treated with glutaraldehyde. The construction of the conduit is described. The results of implantation of these con duits in 12 sheep showed no progression of gradients, fresh regurgitat ion, or evidence of wall or cusp calcification 9 months after implanta tion.