In vivo testing of an intra-annular aortic valve annuloplasty ring in a chronic calf model.

Objective: To increase applicability and stability of aortic valve repair, a three-dimensional aortic annuloplasty ring has been developed for intra-annular placement. The goal of this study was to test the safety of this device with in vivo implantation in the calf model.

Methods: In 10 chronic calves, the HAART annuloplasty ring was sutured to the aortic valve annulus using cardiopulmonary bypass.