Animal testing has become mandatory for the development of new prosthetic heart valves.
It is very expensive. Low mortality and morbidity are essential in controlling costs.
A simple technique for atrioventricular valve replacement in dogs and sheep that includes
normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, the maintenance of a beating heart and the avoidance
of excision of the natural valve is described. Results have been excellent.
Mitral tricuspid experimental valve resection
