Comparative assessment of hepatic Glisson's capsule and bovine pericardium in heart valve bioprostheses.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The optimal material for heart valve bioprostheses remains disputable. This investigation was initiated to compare the properties of hepatic Glisson's capsule, clinical experience of which in cardiovascular surgery is minimal, with those of bovine pericardium.

Methods: Hepatic Glisson's capsule was harvested from bull calves and used to create composite pulmonary arterial monocusp grafts and bioprostheses.