An Increased Incidence of Conduit Endocarditis in Patients Receiving Bovine Jugular Vein Grafts Compared to Cryopreserved Homograft for Right Ventricular Outflow Reconstruction

Compared with homograft conduits, the use of bovine jugular vein grafts for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction was associated with a significantly higher incidence of bacterial endocarditis and conduit deterioration in older children at our institution. That may influence decision making regarding conduit choice for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. Patients and practitioners should be aware of the late risks of bacterial endocarditis after bovine jugular vein graft implantation.