Donkey pericardium compares favorably with commercial xenopericardia used in the manufacture of transcatheter heart valves.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has gained considerable acceptance in the past decade due to its lower risks than conventional open-heart surgery. However, the deformation and delamination of the leaflets during the crimping procedure have raised questions about the durability and long-term serviceability of the pericardium tissue from which the leaflets are made. The collagen architecture, wall thickness and mechanical properties of donkey pericardium were investigated to assess its suitability as an alternative material for the manufacture of heart valves.

Can marine mammals be a reliable source for the manufacture of prosthetic heart valves for percutaneous surgery?

Marine mammals experience unique physiological conditions when diving. Myocardial function is sustained despite a 90% reduction of the blood flow in the coronaries. Therefore, their heart valves and pericardium could serve as a unique source of tissue for the manufacture of prosthetic heart valves.