Figure 1. Comparison of an unused glutaraldehyde-fixed bioprosthetic heart valve (GBHV; “off the shelf”) with a GBHV removed from a patient for structural valve deterioration.
a) Porcine bioprosthetic heart valve prior to implantation in patient. There is no calcification and the valve leaflets are thin and clean. b) Porcine bioprosthetic heart valve removed for structural valve deterioration, showing calcification (C), stenosis of the valve orifice (S), and cusp tears (T).