ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the morphologic and physiochemical properties of bovine jugular conduit with valves stabilized by dye-mediated photo-oxidation. METHODS: Twenty-four bovine jugular conduits with valves were divided into 3 groups and treated with dye-mediated photo-oxidation (Group I), glutaraldehyde (Group II) and untreated group (Group II), respectively. Morphologic and physiochemical properties of the 3 groups, including wall thickness, diameter, tissue water content, heat shrinking temperature, breaching strength, and tissue protein extraction assay were studied. RESULTS: There was no difference in wall thickness, diameter, tissue water content, and heat shrinking temperature between Group I and II ,but there was significant difference between Group I and II. The breaching strength of Group I was higher than that of Group IU (P < 0.05), but lower than that of Group II (P < 0. 05). A decrease in extractable tissue protein was found in Group I and II. CONCLUSION: The dye-mediated photooxidation can effectively preserve the structure and the anti-regurgitation function of valves and improve the tissue stability and enhance the tension of bovine jugular conduit with valves.