摘要 |
A method of preserving porcine heart valves (16) so that they may be incorporated into prosthetic heart valves for human implant. During fixation, the leaflets of the valves are repeatedly flexed throughout their full range of motion. Flexing of the leaflets continues throughout fixation, and is accomplished by providing for alternating fluid flow through the valve from the inflow and outflow sides sufficient to cause the leaflets to fully open and close. |