Current usage and future directions for the bovine pericardial patch

Ann Vasc Surg. 2011 May;25(4):561-8. doi: 10.1016/j.avsg.2010.11.007. Epub 2011 Jan 28.

Abstract

Bovine pericardium (BP) is widely used in surgery and is commonly used as a patch after arteriotomy in cardiovascular surgery. BP patches have several advantages compared with prosthetic patches, including superior biocompatability, easy handling, less suture line bleeding, and possibly reduced rates of infection. These advantages of BP have led to its common use during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, long-term clinical results reported after CEA have suggested several issues that may be related to the patch, including restenosis, pseudoaneurysm formation, infection, fibrosis, calcification, and thrombosis. These complications may diminish the long-term efficacy of CEA and suggest potential areas for improvement of surgical patches. Understanding the mechanisms by which BP heals after patch angioplasty may lead to next generation tissue-engineered patches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / surgery*
  • Cattle
  • Endarterectomy, Carotid / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Pericardium / transplantation*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials