In vitro preparation of homologous heart valves, useful for replacement of diseased valves, by inoculating biodegradable carrier with fibroblasts and attachment to a non-degradable stent

摘要

An in vitro method for preparing homologous heart valves (A), is new. An in vitro method for preparing homologous heart valves (A) comprises: (a) preparation of a biodegradable carrier (scaffold); (b) seeding the carrier with homologous fibroblasts and/or myofibroblasts to form a connective tissue matrix; (c) optionally seeding the matrix with endothelial cells and (d) fixing the matrix to a framework (stent) that is not (easily) degraded. The matrix, before and/or after fixing, is introduced into a pulsatile flow chamber and the flow rate in the chamber increased (dis)continuously. Independent claims are also included for: (1) similar method in which the carrier and stent are fixed together before seeding with cells; (2) autologous heart valves prepared by the method; and (3) autologous heart valves having a connective tissue inner structure, surrounded by a layer of endothelial cells and fixed to a stent.