Biomechanical and structural properties of the explanted bioprosthetic valve leaflets.

Porcine bioprosthesis were treated with 0.625% glutaraldehyde and stabilized under changing pressure from 4 to 30 mmHg. Bovine pericardium and 12 biovalves (of age between 14 days and 80 months) after implantation in the human body were investigated (7 porcine PB and 5 pericardial bioprosthesis--PCB).

A device for surface cooling and rewarming in operations on the "dry" heart in babies and children during moderate, deep and profound hypothermia.

Following a clinical experience of 100 cardiac operation in infants durind deep hypothermia, as low as 15C, the authors have designed a new bath for the procedure which incorporates several improvements over those used previously. The device described allows continuous cooling or rewarming of the patient at any stage of the operation by addition of more cold or hot water as required. It is possible to operate with the patient prone or on the side at any level of hypothermia, and while using heart lung bypass.