Replacement of right coronary leaflet with bovine pericardium.

Bovine pericardium was used to replace the right coronary leaflet to manage aortic insufficiency resulting from ventricular septal defect in 6 patients aged 15 to 34 years. Aortic insufficiency was severe in 5 patients and moderate in one. In all patients, the ventricular septal defect was repaired before aortic valvuloplasty. They were followed up for 5 to 6 months. No mortality was observed. Three patients had relief of aortic insufficiency, 2 had mild residual aortic insufficiency, and one had minor insufficiency not requiring re-operation. Replacement of the right coronary leaflet with bovine pericardium is a promising technique for young patients. The short-term outcomes are encouraging, but longer follow-up is required to assess the durability and function of bovine pericardium in the aortic position.