Homograft Heart Valves
Extensive Material Experience
Homograft heart valve transplantation was first performed in 1962.
Ideal Biomaterials
Homograft heart valves currently possess the characteristics of being the most ideal heart valves.
Because they are human tissue, they possess characteristics closest to the patient’s original tissue.
Their mechanical properties are identical to those of the original valve.
As they are the heart valve graft closest to the patient’s anatomy, they cause no problems during sternum closure.
Natural Compatibility
Blood and tissue compatibility is not sought in transplants.
Although some researchers believe that transplants performed with blood group compatibility result in longer durability, we do not have any scientific data to support this.
Fewer Reoperations
With the advancement of subcoronary implantation techniques, fewer reoperations are required in the long term.
Long-Term Storage
Today, homograft heart valves can be stored for long periods using antibiotic sterilisation and cryopreservation methods.
Longer Durability
Homograft heart valves cryopreserved according to protocol do not have the disadvantages of other heart valve prostheses, such as early degeneration, calcification, vegetation, and structural insufficiency.
Bioprostheses, in particular, degenerate and calcify rapidly in younger age groups. Homografts do not have this disadvantage.
Broad Indications
Cryopreserved homografts are widely used today because they have been proven to have longer durability.
Their broad indication and low complication rate are also reasons for their preference.
Non-immunogenic
Immunosuppression therapy is not required.
Fresh-wet homografts exhibit antigenic properties because the endothelial cells retain their viability. In such valves, the risk of developing an immune reaction is high.
In cryopreserved homograft heart valves that have been preserved according to protocol and for a sufficient period of time, the living cells (viable cells) are fibroblasts, not endothelial cells. The fibroblasts present here do not exhibit antigenic properties.
Paediatric Case Advantage
Thanks to the fibroblasts they contain, they have growth potential in younger patients and long-term durability in younger age groups.
No Anticoagulant Requirement
They do not require the use of anticoagulant medication.
Homograft heart valves enable patients to freely enjoy their daily active lives thanks to these characteristics.
The ideal material for use in female valve patients who wish to give birth is the homograft heart valve.
Superior Haemodynamics
They exhibit superior haemodynamic performance due to the absence of flow-restricting structures such as discs and struts, providing central and unobstructed blood flow.
Even at small scales, they demonstrate optimal hydraulic function due to central non-obstructive flow. Optimal haemodynamics are achieved, particularly in children and adults with small aortic roots, during right and left ventricular outflow valve replacements.
Easier Implantation
Surgical implantation is relatively easier.
Particularly in right heart conduit operations, homograft implantation is easier compared to rigid Dacron conduits.
Indications
Aortic Heart Valves
Branched or Unbranched Arcus + mitral anterior leaflet included
Valve Diameter Range: 9-35 mm
Length: Variable
- Aortic Reconstruction
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Atresia
- Aortic Root Stenosis
- Hypoplastic Left Heart
- Right Ventricular Outflow Tract (RVOT) Repair
- Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
Aortic Conduits
Ascending Aorta Without Valve
Diameter Range: 9-35 mm
Length: Variable
- Conduit Repair
- Native Endocarditis
- Prosthetic Endocarditis
Pulmonary Heart Valves
Bifurcation Included in Most Cases
Valve Diameter Range: 9-35 mm
Length: Variable
- Hypoplastic Left Heart (Modified Fontan)
- Pulmonary Atresia
- Pulmonary Reconstruction
- Pulmonary Root Stenosis
- Ross Procedure
- Double Outlet Right Ventricle (SVDO) (Fontan)
- Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
- Truncus Arteriosus
Pulmonary Conduits
Pulmonary Artery Without Valve
Diameter Range: 9-35 mm
Length: Variable
- Native Endocarditis
- Prosthetic Endocarditis
- Double Outlet Right Ventricle (SVDO)
- Pulmonary Atresia
- Pulmonary Stenosis
- Truncus Arteriosus