Successful implantation of autologous valved conduits with self-expanding stent (stent-biovalve) within the pulmonary artery in beagle dogs.

Objectives: To evaluate the functionality of an autologous heart valve with stent (Stent-biovalve or SBV) after implantation in the pulmonic valve position in beagle dogs.

Animals: Five beagle dogs.

Methods: A mold with an aperture of a tri-leaflet structure was constructed from a pair of concave and convex rods to which a nitinol (NiTi) stent was mounted. This mold was embedded in a dorsal subcutaneous pouch in beagle dogs for 4 weeks. At the time of the removal, the surfaces of the molds were completely covered with connective tissues, tri-leaflet valves were formed and the NiTi stent was tightly connected to the structure.

Results: The mean burst strength of the SBV leaflet was 2710 mmHg (range 2280-3116 mmHg), which was approximately equal to that of the native pulmonic valve leaflet. After implantation in the pulmonary position, the SBV showed good functionality as a pulmonic valve. At 84 days after implantation, the SBV was replaced with autologous fibroblasts and collagenous tissues, and showed organization similar to that of native heart valves.

Conclusion: Stent-Biovalves achieved good valvular function with laminar flow in the pulmonic valve position of beagle dogs.