Mitral valve of a pig for human use, United States, 1976-1979
- Made:
- 1976-1979 in United States
Artificial mitral valve made from mitral valve of pig, mounted for display, from USA, 1976-1979
The mitral valve is in the heart and in some cases may need to be replaced because of narrowing – which prevents blood flow – or as a result of disease. The practice of replacing damaged or diseased mitral valves with those from pig hearts began in the 1970s and continues today – the pig heart has a very similar structure to the human heart. The valve has to be chemically treated before it can be implanted. Despite this, it may still be rejected.
It is a controversial treatment as pigs have to die in order for us to harvest the valves.
Details
- Category:
- Surgery
- Object Number:
- 1981-2257
- Materials:
- organic material, pig's mitral valve, metal, thread, mount, glass and wood
- Measurements:
-
object in plinth: 184 mm x 95 mm x 95 mm, .99 kg
- type:
- artificial heart valve
- credit:
- American Hospital Supply Co.
