Abstract

BackgroundEspecially in complicated aortic valve endocarditis, infections of the aorta by mycotic aortic aneurysms and prosthetic infections, or as part of the Ross procedure, the use of allogeneic heart valve transplants remains important. The production of such allografts in Germany is the task of cardiovascular tissue banks (CVTB).Materials and methodsDuring an analysis of the years 2007–2010, basic data on donor numbers, production, and distribution as well as the technical conditions of not only the four participating CVTB (Bad Oeynhausen, Berlin, Kiel, Munich) but also data from the CVTB Rotterdam as an external reference were recorded.ResultsThe German CVTB delivered an average of 44 aortic and 95 pulmonary allografts per year to clinical users. By incorporating the annually imported valve allografts, the demand in Germany approximately averages 220 heart valve allografts per year. The heart tissue was harvested from approximately 100 multiorgan donors, 45 cardiovascular deaths, and 80 domino donors annually.DiscussionThe participating cardiovascular tissue banks have comparable technical and administrative requirements and are able to produce tissue preparations according to the rules of Good Professional Practice in accordance with § 3 (3) AMWHV to assess their quality, whereby harmonization of microbiological monitoring and antibiotic treatment is still necessary.

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