The value of a stentless valve bioprosthesis: Experiments in the growing pig

Abstract

We have used the pig-heart model to evaluate tissue degeneration in heart-valve prostheses. In provoking less calcification and tissue degeneration, stentless valves were superior to stented valves. This study supports the hypothesis that stentless valves are superior due to a more normal opening of the valve leaflets as an integral part of the aortic root. Cryopreserved homografts did not show any calcification of the leaflets, but had extensive fibrous nodules in the leaflets.