Bovine Aorta
Also known as: Bovine aortic tissue, bovine aortic graft, bovine pericardium, Bovine Aorta
Overview
Bovine aorta refers to the aortic tissue derived from cattle (Bos taurus). It is not a conventional dietary supplement ingredient but is primarily utilized as a biological material in medical applications. Specifically, it serves as a source for bioprosthetic heart valves and vascular grafts, playing a crucial role in cardiovascular surgery for procedures like aortic valve replacement and aortic reconstruction. This tissue is highly valued for its favorable mechanical properties and biocompatibility, making it suitable for implantation in the human body. The use of bovine aorta in medical devices is well-established, supported by extensive clinical studies and meta-analyses that assess its outcomes and safety profile. Research in this area is mature, with high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses providing robust evidence regarding its efficacy and safety in a surgical context.
Benefits
Bovine aortic bioprosthetic valves demonstrate significant clinical utility, showing no significant difference in long-term survival compared to porcine valves after aortic valve replacement. A meta-analysis of 49,190 patients reported a hazard ratio of 1.00 (95% CI 0.92–1.09), indicating equivalent survival outcomes, making it a viable option without increased mortality risk. Furthermore, bovine pericardial grafts used in aortic reconstruction have shown low reinfection rates (0%) and high graft patency in medium-term follow-up, despite the inherent complexity and high 30-day mortality associated with the patient population. However, it's important to note that anatomical variations, such as a bovine aortic arch, have been associated with an increased long-term stroke risk after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.11 (95% CI 1.51–2.93). These benefits are primarily relevant to patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery or interventions involving the aorta, with outcomes assessed over medium to long-term follow-up periods.
How it works
Bovine aorta functions as a biological scaffold or graft material within the human body, rather than through a pharmacological mechanism. When used in medical devices, it physically replaces or repairs damaged aortic tissue. For instance, in bioprosthetic heart valves, the bovine aortic tissue forms the leaflets that regulate blood flow, mimicking the function of natural heart valves. In vascular grafts, it provides a structural conduit for blood flow, integrating with the host's existing vasculature. The tissue's inherent mechanical properties, such as strength and flexibility, along with its biocompatibility, allow it to be incorporated into the body with minimal immune response, facilitating the restoration of cardiovascular function.
Side effects
Bovine aortic bioprostheses generally have an acceptable safety profile, with mortality rates comparable to alternative graft materials. However, as a material used in complex surgical procedures, its use is associated with postoperative complications inherent to major cardiovascular surgery. Common side effects, observed in a significant percentage of patients, include acute renal failure (17%), pneumonia (14%), and delirium (12%). Less common but still notable side effects (1-5%) include respiratory insufficiency (11%), renal insufficiency (7%), and lower limb ischemia (5.66%). Rare side effects, such as reinfection, are very low, with some reports indicating 0% reinfection rates for bovine pericardial grafts. There are no known drug interactions specific to bovine aorta itself, as it is a structural material. Contraindications are typically patient-specific surgical contraindications rather than material-specific. A significant consideration is that anatomical variations, such as the presence of a bovine arch, may increase the risk of stroke post-Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).
Dosage
Bovine aorta is not a dietary supplement and therefore does not have a conventional dosage. Instead, it is used as a biological graft material in surgical procedures. The 'dosage' or amount used is determined by the specific surgical requirement, such as the size of the heart valve to be replaced or the length and diameter of the vascular graft needed for aortic reconstruction. The material is prepared and sterilized for surgical implantation, and its dimensions are tailored to the individual patient's anatomy and the extent of the repair required. There are no upper limits or safety thresholds in the context of a supplement, as its application is entirely within a controlled surgical environment.
FAQs
Is bovine aorta used as a dietary supplement?
No, bovine aorta is not a dietary supplement. It is primarily used in medical applications as a biological material for surgical grafts and bioprosthetic heart valves.
Is bovine aorta safe for medical use?
Yes, when used in approved surgical contexts, bovine aorta has an acceptable safety profile. Complication rates are consistent with those expected for complex cardiovascular surgeries.
Does bovine aorta improve survival in patients?
In aortic valve replacement, bovine aortic bioprostheses provide survival outcomes equivalent to those achieved with porcine valves, indicating it is a viable and effective option.
Are there any specific risks associated with bovine aorta?
While generally safe, anatomical variants like a bovine arch may increase stroke risk in certain interventions, such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).
Research Sources
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0038-1649513 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 49,190 patients found no significant difference in all-cause mortality between bovine and porcine bioprostheses after aortic valve replacement. The study concluded that bovine aortic valves are a viable option with comparable long-term survival outcomes.
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.123.032963 – This systematic review and cohort analysis of 2,787 TAVR patients identified bovine arch anatomy as an independent predictor of increased long-term stroke risk. The study highlights the importance of anatomical considerations in patient selection for TAVR.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38307226/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 133 patients with infected aortic grafts reported that bovine pericardial grafts showed low reinfection rates (0%) and high patency. However, it also noted a significant 30-day mortality rate due to the complexity of the patient cases.
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