MONOCUSP AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT IN DOGS: AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL

Abstract
Aortic valve replacement using human allograft valves is a well established procedure, demonstrating histological evidence of a host-graft interaction. This method varies in intensity, depending on the types of sterilizing and storage agents to which the allograft is exposed prior to insertion. A canine experimental model which enables study of these tissue ingrowth patterns in variously treated allografts was devised. The technique is described in detail.