homograft
Pronunciation: HO-mo-graft
Human donor tissue used for valve or conduit replacement, typically cryopreserved aortic or pulmonary valves.
Full Definition
A homograft is human donor tissue, most commonly aortic or pulmonary valves with attached vessel segments, used for cardiac reconstruction. These grafts are harvested from organ donors, sterilized, and cryopreserved for future use. Homografts offer excellent hemodynamics, low thrombogenicity, and resistance to infection, making them particularly valuable in endocarditis cases or pediatric patients where growth potential is important. The main disadvantages include limited availability, potential for calcification over time, and gradual structural deterioration. Homografts are commonly used in Ross procedures, right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction, and aortic root replacement in complex cases.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'allograft' (same meaning) and 'autograft' (patient's own tissue).
In Context
- "A cryopreserved pulmonary homograft was used for RVOT reconstruction." — Operative report
- "The aortic homograft showed mild regurgitation at five-year follow-up." — Echo report