Hybrid Pericardium with VEGF‐Loaded Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Coating to Improve the Biological Properties of Bioprosthetic Heart Valves

Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) used in the clinic are mostly fixed by glutaraldehyde and the lack of endothelialization is a major problem for glutaraldehyde-fixed pericardia. Hyaluronic acid is a major glycosaminoglycan that exists in native heart valves. Coupled with its inherent biocompatibility, it may enhance endothelial adhesion and proliferation when associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, an optimized...