Chilean patients receive over 60 cryopreserved human heart valves

In Chile, more than 60 cryopreserved human heart valves have been used in complex cardiac surgeries. This medical resource is made possible through an alliance between VidaCel and UC CHRISTUS.

These valves are sourced from donors and processed under strict security and traceability protocols. They are stored at -196 °C in VidaCel’s homograft bank until requested by surgical teams. This biological alternative serves patients requiring high-complexity surgery when traditional mechanical prostheses may not be suitable.

The use of these valves comes amid significant cardiovascular health challenges in the country. Preliminary data from the Department of Statistics and Health Information (DEIS) indicates that circulatory system diseases caused 31,669 deaths in Chile during 2025, accounting for approximately one in four recorded deaths.