A new method for selecting calf pericardium for use in cardiac bioprostheses on the basis of morphological and mechanical criteria

The durability of existing calf pericardium bioprostheses is limited by phe nomena such as mechanical stress and calcification, the factors most freque ntly implicated in valve failure. Varying the preferred direction of the co llagen fibers influences the mechanical behavior of the pericardial membran e. Given this possible variation, a strict control of the selection of the biomaterial employed in the construction of valve leaflets is essential, bu t a reliable method of selection has yet to be established. This study describes the development of a new system of in vitro selection involving a hydraulic simulator that reproduces the mechanical behavior of pericardial membranes subjected to the stress of continuous flow. By combining morphological criteria such as thickness and homogeneity with those of mechanical behavior, and by selecting paired samples from differen t parts of the pericardium, we obtained excellent mathematical fits. Linear regression analysis provided the mode of predicting the tensile strength i n a given sample when this value had been determined in its twin. The upper zones of calf pericardium, corresponding to either right or left ventricle but at a distance from ligamentous structures, showed the best mean result s at rupture (60 MPa) and permitted the most reliable prediction. The expec ted stress for an elongation of 30% was 1.12 MPa, as was previously observe d, with a 95% confidence interval of between 1.11 and 1.14 MPa. These trials, together with the careful selection of the pairs, should help to establish definitive selection criteria. (C) 2001 Kluwer Academic Publi shers.