Bioprosthetic Heart Valves: Impact of Implantation on Biomaterials
Figure 12
The Mitroflow pericardial valve explanted from a 77-year-old female at 9 years after implantation. (a) Gross photograph of the flow surface of the valve shows markedly thickened cusps with pannus overgrowth on the stent and the cusps (asterisk). (b) The nonflow surface of the same valve shows markedly thickened cusps with pannus (asterisk) and two tears (black arrows). The pannus on the third cusp prevents development of tear (white arrow).
