First implants of cell-free porcine heart valve:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Two Australian patients have received what are claimed to be the world's first implants of tissue-engineered heart valves. The women were given Synergraft aortic valves, made from porcine tissue depopulated of its cells to avoid the need for immunosuppressive drugs. CryoLife, the Atlanta, Georgia manufacturer, believes that the implanted valves will repopulate with the recipient's own cells. This could make them especially suitable for children, potentially growing with the child.