The bovine pericardial xenograft: II. Effect of tethering or pressurization during fixation on the tensile viscoelastic properties of bovine pericardium

Our previous article suggested that control of the extensibility of aldehyde‐fixed pericardium could be achieved by controlling shrinkage during fixation. Therefore, to prevent shrinkage, we have used sandpaper‐lined plexiglass plates to clamp circular samples of bovine pericardium during fixation in glutaraldehyde, tethering them at their original dimensions. As well, we have applied transmural pressures of 50 or 100 mm Hg during fixation using a hydraulic column of glutaraldehyde solution. Strips cut at 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° to the base‐to‐apex cardiac direction have been examined for cyclic stress–strain response, stress relaxation, plastic deformation, and fracture behavior. Under physiological stresses, tethered and pressure‐fixed materials were both nearly isotropic. Tethering during fixation produced a material with extensibility nearly identical to that of fresh tissue. Plastic deformation during cyclic loading was reduced below that seen in simple fixation while stress relaxation was unchanged. Pressure‐fixation produced reduced extensibility similar to that produced in porcine aortic valve leaflets. Plastic deformation and stress relaxation were both markedly reduced. Pressure‐fixation reduced the strain at fracture, but fracture behavior was otherwise unaffected. Tethering and pressure‐fixation offer attractive means to control the mechanical behavior of bovine xenograft materials.