Effect of preservation on the elasticity of human aortic valve homografts.

The elastic properties of preserved human aortic homografts after different storage times in antibiotic-nutrient medium solution have been measured. There was a definite loss of elasticity within nine months leading to a rapid decrease after a year of preservation. It is likely that satisfactory valve function depends on its elasticity, and these studies indicate that aortic valves which have been exposed to antibiotic media for more than nine months should not be used in valve replacement surgery.