Donation of Heart Valves

Donated human heart valves have many advantages over artificial or animal alternatives. They are more resistant to infection and avoid the need for potentially dangerous drugs. Silent and as close as possible to normal function, they enable the patient to live a normal life, free of the need for drugs and constant testing. These donations are used to repair congenital defects in babies who could die without surgery and to replace diseased aortic valves in adults.

Aortic valves, pulmonary valves and mitral valves are routinely required for surgical procedures to replace faulty valves.  Pericardium, which is the sac surrounding and containing the heart, is also required to repair defects in the wall of the aorta in children.

During the trimming procedures, the 'competency' of the valves (ie:  the ability of the valve to prevent fluid from flowing backwards into the heart) is tested to ensure they will function properly once implanted.

The age restrictions on heart valve donation are as follows:

• For both males & females: Newborn - 55 years

Heart valves are stored in the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen at a temperature between -130°C and -196°C. They can be stored for a maximum of five years in these conditions.