Impact on mechanical properties of 10 versus 20 minute treatment of human pericardium with glutaraldehyde in ozaki procedure

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of 10-minute (standard term) versus 20-minute treatment with glutaraldehyde (GA) on mechanical stability and physi-cal strength of human pericardium in the setting of the OZAKI procedure. Methods: Leftover pericardium (6 patients) was bisected directly after the operation, and one-half was further fixed for 10 additional minutes. Uniaxial tensile tests were performed and ultimate tensile strength (UTS), ultimate tensile strain (uts), and collagen elastic modulus were evaluated. Results: Both treatments resulted in similar values of uniaxial stretching-generated elon-gations at rupture (10 minutes 25 ± 7 % vs. 20 minutes: 22 ± 5 %; p = 0.05), UTS (5.16 ± 2 MPa vs. 6.54 ± 3 MPa; p = 0.59), and collagen fiber stiffness (elastic modulus: 31.80 ± 15.05 MPa vs. 37.35 ± 15.78 MPa; p = 0.25). Conclusion: Prolongation of the fixation time of autologous pericardium has no significant effect on its mechanical stability; thus, extending the intraoperative treatment can-not be recommended.