Bioprosthetic Heart Valves: Impact of Implantation on Biomaterials
Figure 4
The Mitroflow pericardial valve explanted for infective endocarditis from a 66-year-old male at 9 months after implantation. (a) Gross photograph of the flow surface of the valve shows thickened cusps with pannus (black arrow) and vegetations (asterisk). (b) The nonflow surface of the same valve shows thickened cusps with areas of ulceration (asterisk) and nodular calcification (black arrow). (c) Histologic section shows pannus “P” growth with bacterial colonies (black arrows). Stain: hematoxylin and eosin. Original magnification ×5.
