In Vivo Remodeling and Structural Characterization of Fibrin-Based Tissue-Engineered Heart Valves in the Adult Sheep Model

Autologous fibrin-based tissue-engineered heart valves have demonstrated excellent potential as patient-derived valve replacements. The present pilot study aims to evaluate the structure and mechanical durability of fibrin-based heart valves after implantation in a large-animal model (sheep). Tissue-engineered heart valves were molded using a fibrin scaffold and autologous arterial-derived cells before 28 days of mechanical conditioning. Conditioned valves were subsequently implanted in the pulmonary trunk of the same animals from which the cells were harvested. After 3 months in vivo, explanted valve conduits (n = 4) had remained intact and exhibited native tissue consistency, although leaflets demonstrated insufficiency because of tissue contraction. Routine histology showed remarkable tissue development and cell distribution, along with functional blood vessel ingrowth. A confluent monolayer of endothelial cells was present on the valve surface, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy and positive...