Figure 5

Hinge region of second-generation TEHVs at different time-points. Representative images of the H&E staining performed on the cross section of the valve. (A–C) 5 × magnification pictures of the hinge region of the valve (scale bars 500 μm). (D–F) 20 × magnification pictures of the hinge region marked by the dotted rectangles in panels (A–C) (scale bars 100 μm). (G–I) 40 × magnification of the hinge region marked by dotted rectangles in panels (D–F) (scale bars 50 μm). In panel (F), SP points at a hole left by a suture point. In panel (G), arrow points at leukocytes and triangle indicates erythrocytes. Immunohistochemical images of the hinge area of second-generation TEHVs stained for α-SMA at 8 weeks (K), and 52 weeks (L) follow-up. For this novel valve geometry, few to none α-SMA⁺ cells are detected in the hinge area or in the leaflet at the time-point considered. Acute control valve (G) does not present α-SMA⁺ cells. Scale bars: 500 μm, zoom: 5 × . Presence of T-lymphocytes is detected with immunohistochemical images at 8 (N) and 52 (O) weeks. Scale bars: 100 μm, zoom: 10 × .