Some researchers tried to correct heart valve disease with an acellular matrix xenograft from
pigs, fixed with glutaraldehyde, and without any prior cell seeding in vitro. They were partially
successful in pediatric patients, however, some of the children receiving these valves died.
Discuss three issues were likely displayed in the retrieved valves.
Solution
The three issues could be:
1. Thromboembolism and bleeding complication-- It is related to warfarin anticoagulation
therapy and other reasons like intrinsic coagulation factors, intestinal lesions, atrial enlargement,
arrhythmia, atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation.
2. Prosthetic valve endocarditis-- It happens because of infection caused by Staphylococcus
epidermidis, S.aureus, Streptococcus, Fungi etc. The infection leads to abscess around sewing
ring at the site of attachement. Large bacterial growth can lead to stenosis. Infections and
Inflammatory reactions are responsible for prosthetic valve endocarditis.
3. Calcification-- It is deposition of calcium in the valves which leads to stenosis. It occurs due to
chemical reaction between glutaraldehyde and circulating calcium ions.
pigs, fixed with glutaraldehyde, and without any prior cell seeding in vitro. They were partially
successful in pediatric patients, however, some of the children receiving these valves died.
Discuss three issues were likely displayed in the retrieved valves.
Solution
The three issues could be:
1. Thromboembolism and bleeding complication-- It is related to warfarin anticoagulation
therapy and other reasons like intrinsic coagulation factors, intestinal lesions, atrial enlargement,
arrhythmia, atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation.
2. Prosthetic valve endocarditis-- It happens because of infection caused by Staphylococcus
epidermidis, S.aureus, Streptococcus, Fungi etc. The infection leads to abscess around sewing
ring at the site of attachement. Large bacterial growth can lead to stenosis. Infections and
Inflammatory reactions are responsible for prosthetic valve endocarditis.
3. Calcification-- It is deposition of calcium in the valves which leads to stenosis. It occurs due to
chemical reaction between glutaraldehyde and circulating calcium ions.
