[snip] As I would later learn, pig valves have been used as human heart valve transplants for over twenty years. Companies including Edwards Lifesciences and St. Jude Medical are the leading pig valve replacement manufacturers. Interestingly enough, cow valve tissue is also used in the construction of pericardial heart valve replacements – known as bovine valves. [/snip]
http://www.heart-valve-surgery.com/heart-surgery-blog/2007/09/19/pig-valve-replacement/
[snip] As I would later learn, pig valves have been used as human heart valve transplants for over twenty years. Companies including Edwards Lifesciences and St. Jude Medical are the leading pig valve replacement manufacturers. Interestingly enough, cow valve tissue is also used in the construction of pericardial heart valve replacements – known as bovine valves. [/snip]
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And the pig replacement is considered a success if the patient revives, snorts and then tucks into a pail of corn.
Bovine replacement success is ensured when the patient shows up at the barn at milking time.