Histopathologic findings in a novel decellularized pulmonary homograft: An autopsy study

Innovative valved conduits for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract are desirable to overcome the risk of valve deterioration of conventional homografts. This study describes the histopathology of a novel decellularized pulmonary homograft (SynerGraft) implanted in the right ventricular outflow tract of a 60-year-old man 5 weeks before death. The histomorphology of this decellularized homograft showed integrity of its extracellular matrix and a gradual cellular infiltrate consisting predominantly of macrophages, resembling an early nonspecific inflammatory phase of recellularization without any signs of a specific immunologic interference 5 weeks after implantation. Whether this morphologic appearance precedes the desired repopulation with autologous fibroblasts remains to be established. (c) 2005 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.