Use of Pericardium for Cardiac Reconstruction Procedures in Acquired Heart Diseases—A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background Reconstruction of cardiac structures has been the goal of many surgeons even before the advent of open-heart procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass. Unsatisfactory results with synthetic materials has switched the attention to biological tissues, among which pericardium, either autologous or of animal origin, has been widely used as patch material. Methods We have reviewed the literature to assess the effective role of pericardial tissue in the correction of various acquired cardiac lesions. Particularly, special attention was given not only to established techniques but also to detect any peculiar and unusual application of pericardium. Results Autologous pericardium is frequently used as patch material particularly when limited valvular lesions must be corrected, while xenograft pericardium appears particularly useful in patients with endocarditis and extensive destruction of the intracardiac structures by infection and abscesses. Pericardium is an extremely versatile material owing to its pliability and strength; however, it tends to calcify in the long term when in contact with blood, although stability of the repair is maintained in most cases. Conclusions Pericardium plays an important role in various cardiac and aortic pathologies. Tissues resistant to fibrosis and calcification to be used as patch material are the ideal solution for more successful cardiac reconstruction procedures and will hopefully be provided by the ongoing research.

A New Detergent for the Effective Decellularization of Bovine and Porcine Pericardia

“…In the context of regenerative medicine, there is a growing need for biomaterials that not only possess adequate biocompatibility and functional features, but are also able to integrate with and grow in the recipient’s body. To date, pericardial tissues have been used in reconstructive surgery [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] and, in particular, the main applications of bovine and porcine pericardia aim at producing bioprostheses for the surgical management of cardiovascular congenital and acquired defects [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Interrupted versus Continuous Suture Technique for Ventricular Septal Defects Surgical Closure

“…There is no ideal patch material for VSD closure. Autologous pericardium has become the preferred material (13) . However, successful use of Goretex patch for VSD closure has been reported (14) .…”

Triple valve endocarditis: the case for multiple valve replacement

“…It is interesting to note that the patient we reported in the late 1970s was probably one of the first cases of valve involvement by endocarditis requiring triple valve replacement; since then, I do not remember to have seen a similar case anymore in my long surgical activity. In those years, mitral and tricuspid valve repair for infection-related incompetence was not yet commonplace, as today when also owing to the use of biological or synthetic material, such as pericardial patches or even artificial chordae, the need for replacing infected mitral or tricuspid valves has been reduced [3,4].…”