Evaluation of a noble in-body tissue engineered heart valve (Biovalve) in the systemic circulation

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An autologous valved conduit without any artificial support materials (Biovalve) was developed, using in-body tissue engineering. In this study, the potential of the Biovalve as an aortic valve was investigated in a goat model. Biovalves were prepared by 2-month embedding of molds in the subcutaneous space of goats. After removing the molds, Biovalves were made by perfectly autologous connective tissue. Biovalves were implanted as aortic valves using the apico-aortic bypass method for 2 months. Postoperative echocardiogram showed smooth movement of the leaflets with little regurgitation under the systemic circulation. At the sinus portions, marked elastic fibers were formed. The luminal surface was covered with thin pseudointima. In conclusion, completely autologous Biovalves with robust and elastic characteristics satisfied the higher requirements of systemic circulation in goats for 2 months.