Development of a pericardial acellular matrix bioprosthesis. Effects of cellular extraction on mechanics and morphology

Since the collagen and elastin matrix of pericardium is distinct from that in arteries, the authors first step - and the purpose of this study - has been to investigate the effects of extraction on mechanical integrity. The goal was to develop a process which preserves natural pericardial mechanics and structure yet completely removes all cells and cellular antigens. Experimental results indicate that it is possible to produce pericardial prosetheses free of cells and cellular constituents, while preserving natural tissue mechanics. Although some swelling and reduction in shrinkage temperature is produced, modifications in the process (such as protocol B) can limit these effects. The removal of cells and cellular constituents has the prospect of reducing immunogenicity and delaying calcification on implantation.