The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2014
In vivo remodeling potential of a novel bioprosthetic tricuspid valve in an ovine model.
A novel bioprosthetic tricuspid valve was constructed from an acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffold. The valve's mechanical functionality and potential for histologic regeneration was evaluated in an ovine model. ⋯ When implanted in the form of a tubular valve, the acellular ECM bioscaffold demonstrates feasibility as a biomechanically sound bioprosthetic tricuspid valve replacement with evidence of progressive endothelialization and constructive tissue remodeling.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2014
The independent role of the aortic root ganglionated plexi in the initiation of atrial fibrillation: An experimental study.
The major atrial ganglionated plexi (GP) can initiate atrial fibrillation alone without any contribution from the extrinsic cardiac nervous system. However, if stimulation of the ventricular GP, especially the aortic root GP, can provoke atrial fibrillation (AF) alone is unknown. Our study was designed to investigate the independent role of aortic root GP activity in the initiation of AF. ⋯ In Langendorff-perfused canine hearts, stimulation of the aortic root GP provokes AF in the absence of any extrinsic cardiac nerve activity. The aortic root GP is an important element in the intrinsic neuronal loop that can increase the risk of AF in isolated heart models.