Long-term pathological changes of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)suture in the human heart

Authors
Minatoya, K Kobayashi, J Sasako, Y Ishibashi-Ueda, H Yutani, C Kitamura, S
Citation
K. Minatoya et al., Long-term pathological changes of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)suture in the human heart, J HEART V D, 10(1), 2001, pp. 139-142
Citations number
6
Categorie Soggetti
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems
Journal title
JOURNAL OF HEART VALVE DISEASE
ISSN journal
09668519 → ACNP
Volume
10
Issue
1
Year of publication
2001
Pages
139 - 142
Database
ISI
SICI code
0966-8519(200101)10:1<139:LPCOEP>2.0.ZU;2-6
Abstract
Expanded PTFE (ePTFE) sutures have been used widely as a mitral chordal sub stitute. We present a structural analysis of ePTFE sutures implanted as art ificial chordae for 7.5 years and 8.6 years in patients with mitral regurgi tation. No calcification was found either macroscopically or microscopicall y, and the ePTFE suture retained its normal flexibility. The suture was tot ally encapsulated with host tissues composed of dense fibrous tissue covere d with endothelial cells.