Abstract
Current valve replacement procedures often require repeat operations. Presently, the options available for heart valve replacements have limited durability and slow integration and often require lifelong anticoagulation. We hypothesize that tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) using autologous endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)‐derived endothelial cells (ECs) to cover a bioscaffold will provide an implant that does not require anticoagulation, produces minimal host immune response, and has the potential to remodel as the patient grows. Autologous EPCs were isolated from the peripheral circulation by random blood sampling and affinity column separation using an arterial‐venous shunt containing a column of antibodies recognizing the CD‐133 surface marker. Decellularized pig pulmonary heart valves were seeded with EPC‐derived ECs under static conditions or under pulsatile flow using a bioreactor, which then enhances cell coverage while maintaining biomechanical properties. Re‐endothelialization of decellularized pulmonary heart valve scaffolds may enhance the functionality and longevity of TEHVs. It is postulated that these bioengineered valves will integrate into host tissue faster, remodel as the patient grows and respond to in vivo physiological signaling, producing a longer lasting valve implant.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
