The Stented Porcine Bioprosthesis: A 50-Year Journey Through Hopes and Realities.

Bortolotti, Uberto; Milano, Aldo D; Valente, Marialuisa; Thiene, Gaetano · Ann Thorac Surg · 2019

review · Level V

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Abstract

The year 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the first implant of a commercially manufactured stented porcine bioprosthesis. During the subsequent years considerable clinical and pathologic research was done to evaluate the overall performance of such devices and to identify the leading causes of failure. This brief review covers 5 decades, summarizing the initial hopes and the realities faced by surgeons who have believed from the start in these cardiac valve substitutes. From reported failures and long-term results a new generation of durable and reliable stented porcine bioprosthetic valves is currently available.

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