A Temporarily Stented, Autologous Pericardial Aortic Valve Prosthesis
Wolfgang A. Goetz MD, Hou-Sen Lim MS, Emmanuel Lansac MD, Patricia A. Weber DrPH, Carlos M. G. Duran MD

The ideal aortic valve prosthesis is not yet available. A new prosthesis was developed and implanted in the subcoronary aortic position of six sheep. In all cases the valve was competent and the single commissural stitches were well-anchored. Histology showed an intact collagen and elastin structure. Neointimal growth was seen covering the basal quarter of the leaflets and the commissures. The simplicity of construction, low cost, and absence of any need for anticoagulation makes this prosthesis close to the ideal aortic valve substitute.