The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 19, 406-414, Copyright © 1975 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Biochemical modifications of fascia lata for autologous valve replacement
B Bharadwaj, E Kurylo and WW Kay
The biochemistry of canine fascia lata was studied to assess the
feasibility of tissue modification with a variety of cross-linking reagents
and growth inhibitors in order to provide a more suitable material for
heart valves. Chemical determinants for maximal reactivity were
consequently established for several growth inhibitors, of which the
hydrophobic ligands difluorodinitrobenzene, octadecylamine, and oleylamine
were the most effective in preventing invasive cellular growth. This
enhanced the longevity of atrial grafts in dogs as judged from
morphological and histological examination of excised grafts.