FIG. 3.

Macroscopic appearance of explanted aortic roots following 6 months implantation in the right ventricular outflow tract of juvenile sheep. (A) Explanted acellular porcine aortic root EDP2 showing some retraction of the leaflets inside the rubbery wall. (B) Explanted native ovine root ES2 showing the rigid tube-like appearance of the retracted root within the pulmonary wall. (C and D) Explanted acellular porcine roots EDP4 and EDP5 opened up to show leaflets. These valves were soft to the touch with no gross evidence of leaflet damage or stenosis.