CURRENT STATE OF IN-VIVO PRECLINICAL HEART-VALVE EVALUATION

The use of animals to predict prosthetic valve performance in humans h as now been in operation for over 25 years. Studies have focused on im provements in structural integrity, anti-thrombogenicity and anti-calc ification, and provide extensive in who analysis and validation of a v alve before its clinical evaluation, Many animal models have been deve loped for such investigations, including calves, goats, pigs, baboons, dogs and adult sheep. Recent models used to assess prosthetic mitral valves have involved site-specific testing in several species; the pre sent study represents the largest series of orthotopically implanted s tentless bioprosthetic aortic valves and the first to utilize a juveni le sheep model for the aortic position.