Cardiovascular pathology : the official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Pathology
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Cardiovasc. Pathol. · Jan 2016
Histologic examination of decellularized porcine intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix (CorMatrix) in pediatric congenital heart surgery.
CorMatrix is a decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa extracellular matrix that has gained attention as a promising alternative to current materials used in cardiac repair. While animal models demonstrate integration of CorMatrix material with host tissue, the histologic characteristics of CorMatrix used in humans are less well-characterized. In this retrospective study, we report our experience with CorMatrix material used in pediatric congenital heart surgery and describe the histology of CorMatrix material and of surrounding native tissue in explanted specimens. ⋯ CorMatrix may be associated with a marked inflammatory response, including a foreign-body giant cell reaction and fibrosis of the surrounding native tissue. Degenerative changes of CorMatrix material are also seen in a majority of explanted specimens. No histologic differences were seen between patients with clinical evidence of graft failure versus patients requiring graft removal due to other factors. Additionally, no cases showed evidence of tissue integration or recellularization of patch material. Our overall clinical experience with CorMatrix demonstrates a favorable outcome for pediatric patients undergoing cardiac reconstructive surgery. However, there is no histologic evidence that CorMatrix acts as a scaffold for reconstitution of the native cardiovascular structures.