Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are one of the most frequently diagnosed
congenital disorders, affecting approximately 40,000 live births annually in the United States. Out of the new patients diagnosed with CHD yearly, an estimated 2,500 patients require a substitute, non-native conduit artery to replace structures congenitally absent or hypoplastic. Devices used for conduit replacement encounter limitations exhibiting varying degrees of stiffness, calcification, susceptibility to
infection,
thrombosis, and a lack of implant growth capacity. Here, we report the functionality of pentagalloyl
glucose (
PGG) stabilized decellularized valved bovine jugular vein conduit (
PGG-DBJVC). The
PGG-DBJVC tissues demonstrated mechanical properties comparable to native and
glutaraldehyde fixed tissues, while exhibiting resistance to both
collagenase and
elastase enzymatic degradation. Subcutaneous implantation of tissues established their biocompatibility and resistance to calcification, while implantation in sheep in the pulmonary position demonstrated adequate implant functionality, and repopulation of host cells, without excessive
inflammation. In conclusion, this
PGG-DBJVC device could be a favorable replacement option for pediatric patients, reducing the need for reoperations required with current devices. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is a common
congenital disorder affecting many newborns in the United States each year. The use of substitute conduit arteries is necessary for some patients with CHD who have missing or underdeveloped structures. Current conduit replacement devices have limitations, including stiffness, susceptibility to
infection and
thrombosis, and lack of implant growth capacity. Pentagalloyl
glucose-stabilized bovine jugular vein valved tissue (
PGG-DBJVC) offers a promising
solution as it is resistant to calcification, and biocompatible. When implanted in rats and as pulmonary conduit replacement in sheep, the
PGG-DBJVC demonstrated cellular infiltration without excessive
inflammation, which could lead to remodeling and integration with host tissue and eliminate the need for replacement as the child grows.