Experimental atrioventricular bioprosthetic valve insertion: a simple and successful technique.

Animal testing has become mandatory for the development of new prosthetic heart valves. It is very expensive. Low mortality and morbidity are essential in controlling costs. A simple technique for atrioventricular valve replacement in dogs and sheep that includes normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, the maintenance of a beating heart and the avoidance of excision of the natural valve is described. Results have been excellent.