Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the mobility, calcification, and anti-thrombotic properties of valved conduits for the surgical palliation of pulmonic stenosis in dogs. This study included four healthy dogs and valved conduits with two leaflets on the inner side. The three valved conduit types used in this study were autologous pericardium, denacol-treated bioprosthetic valve, and ePTFE. Postoperative echocardiography demonstrated the smooth movement of the leaflets in all valved conduit types. Histological examination of the specimens obtained six months after implantation did not show any thrombus or marked calcification. The surface of the conduit was covered by neointima, including fibroblasts, and was formed at the anastomosis of the valve. However, the long-term outcome of these implanted valved conduits requires further investigation. Nevertheless, these valved conduits may have potential applications for the surgical palliation of pulmonic stenosis in dogs.
