Study on decellularized porcine aortic valve/poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) hybrid heart valve in sheep model.

To overcome shortcomings of current heart valve prostheses, novel hybrid valves were fabricated from decellularized porcine aortic valves coated with poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate [PHBHHx]). In the mechanical test in vitro, the biomechanical performance of hybrid valve was investigated. In an in vivo study, hybrid valve conduits were implanted in pulmonary position in sheep without cardiopulmonary bypass. Uncoated grafts were used as control. The valves were explanted and examined histologically and biochemically 16 weeks after surgery. The hybrid valve conduits maintained original shapes, were covered by a confluent layer of cells, and had less calcification than uncoated control. The mechanical test in vitro revealed that PHBHHx coating improved tensile strength. The results in vivo indicated that PHBHHx coating reduced calcification and promoted the repopulation of hybrid valve with the recipient's cells resembling native valve tissue. The hybrid valve may provide superior valve replacement with current techniques.