Mapping of glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardium and tissue selection for bioprosthetic heart valves.

Glutaraldehyde-crosslinked bovine pericardium is widely used in bioprosthetic heart valve fabrication. In an attempt to set a scientific basis for more reproducible tissue selection, we produced and analyzed topographical maps of glutaraldehyde-treated bovine pericardium. Whole pericardia were divided into specific anatomical areas and their thickness was measured and mapped on templates. In each area, the suture holding power was determined in both parallel and perpendicular (to the base-apex line) directions; analyses of the tearing patterns in each fragment were used to evaluate predominant fiber orientation, and observations were confirmed by polarized light microscopy. Complete maps were superimposed graphically to aid in the selection of certain areas that would have known fiber orientation, high suture holding power, and suitable thickness. Our results describe regional heterogeneity of bovine pericardial structure and mechanical properties, specifically demonstrating variations in thickness, suture holding power, and collagen fiber orientation. Two areas of choice (representing about 35% of the total) were described as suitable for use in bioprosthetic heart valve fabrication.