The long-term performance and function of bioprosthetic valves constructed from glutaraldehyde-fixed bovine pericardium depend on the leaflet material retaining its original properties. Prolonged mechanical conditioning or implantation in the human body may alter the mechanical properties, the geometry and the function of the leaflets. Studies of the leaflets of fatigue-cycled valves and explanted valves showed that the leaflets have changed their shape due to permanent deformation. In addition, the leaflets of the explanted valves were thickened. Examination of the mechanical properties of the leaflet tissue showed that the material of both the fatigue-cycled and explanted valves had reduced extensibility compared to the material of uncycled leaflets, which had not been implanted. Such changes may adversely affect the valve function and may also accelerate valve failure in the long term. Analytical description and statistical treatment of the mechanical behaviour of the leaflet tissue showed that it was possible to discriminate between implant and explant tissue and less satisfactorily between uncycled-control and fatigue-cycled tissue.
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Zioupos, P., Barbenel, J.C., Fisher, J. et al. Changes in the mechanical properties of bioprosthetic valve leaflets made of bovine pericardium, as a result of long-term mechanical conditioning in vitro and implantation in vivo . J Mater Sci: Mater Med 4, 531–537 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00125589
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00125589