ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a newly domestic bovine pericardium using a juvenile sheep model and to provide proof for clinical use.Methods Under the off-pump condition,8 domestic bovine pericardiums were implanted into the pulmonary artery and the descending aorta of 4 juvenile sheep as the trial group.As the control group,four imported bovine pericardiums were implanted into two juvenile sheep.Before the surgery,the juvenile sheep were given a physical examination and some laboratory tests.Ultrasonic cardiographs were taken after 1 month and 2 months of implantation.Sheep were sacrificed after 90 days and compared with the extent of endothelialization,inflammation and calcification of the two groups.Results (1) All the juvenile sheep survived without any complications.(2) Ultrasonic cardiograph showed the absence of leakage,thrombus,calcification,neoplasm or any structural deterioration.(3) Gross examination showed there was no intimal hyperplasia.The thickness and tenacity of all patches had no change compared with the pre-operation condition.All the patches showed smooth and pliable faces without degeneration,as well as absence of macroscopically calcification.(4) There was not any positive result in microbiological tests in both groups.The degree of inflammation,necrosis and calcification had no significant differencs between the two groups.Conclusions The data shows that the domestic bovine pericardium,a newly developed Chinese domestic-design and manufactured bovine pericardium,can exhibit long-term satisfactory safety and efficacy in the implantation of the pulmonary artery and the descending aorta of juvenile sheep.