IN VITRO PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A HOMOLOGICAL HEART VALVE OR VASCULAR PROSTHESIS

摘要

In vitro production of a homologous heart valve involves: (i) colonizing a biodegradable carrier with homologous fibroblasts and/or myofibroblasts so as to give a connective tissue matrix; (ii) colonizing the matrix with endothelial cells; (iii) introducing the matrix into a pulsating flow chamber (e.g. in a bioreactor) where it is subjected to a (dis)continuous flow rate. An Independent claim is also included for a homologous heart valve with a connective tissue inner core covered with a layer of endothelial cells, the core having a collagen density of 43-55%, based on the matrix.