How Strong Can We Pull? Critical Thresholds for Traction Forces on the Aortic Annulus: Measurements on Fresh Porcine Hearts.

ABSTRACT: Background and Objectives: Friable or infected tissue remains a challenge in surgical aortic valve replacement. We recently described the "Caput medusae" method, in which circumferential tourniquets temporarily secure the prosthesis and are then gently knotted. Tourniquets have been shown to develop significantly less force than knots. The current study investigates the critical threshold forces for tissue damage to the aortic annulus. Materials and Methods: In 14 fresh porcine hearts, the aortic valve leaflets were removed and several pledgeted sutures were placed along the annulus at defined locations. The hearts were mounted in a self-constructed device. Incremental traction force was applied to every suture and continuously recorded. The movement of each Teflon pledget wa

SUBMITTER: Hartrumpf M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9415296 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature