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Rapid and untypical calcification of the Sorin pericarbon stentless pericardial xenograft in a child

^a Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
^b Institute of Histology and Embryology, Veterinary University of Vienna, Josef Baumanngasse 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria

^* Corresponding author. Tel.: +43-1-40400-5620; fax: +43-1-40400-5640
paul.simon{at}univie.ac.at

Stentless valves are designed to reduce mechanical stress and it is hypothesized that degeneration is reduced. We report early calcification of a Sorin pericarbon stentless pericardial xenograft in aortic position leading to valve failure 2 years after valve replacement in an 11-year-old boy. Morphological evaluation of the explant revealed severe calcification of the leaflets in a uniformly distributed pattern. Positive staining for non-collagen bone matrix proteins was found in the organic matrix of calcific deposits and in infiltrated macrophages. The stentless design of the Sorin valve does not mitigate calcification and therefore cannot be recommended for children.

Key Words: Stentless heart valve; Calcification; Children