Experimental atrioventricular bioprosthetic valve insertion: a simple and successful technique.

Abstract

Animal testing has become mandatory for the development of new prosthetic heart valves. It is very expensive. Low mortality and morbidity are essential in controlling costs. A simple technique for atrioventricular valve replacement in dogs and sheep that includes normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, the maintenance of a beating heart and the avoidance of excision of the natural valve is described. Results have been excellent.