Degeneration of biological heart valves occurs rapidly in younger patients. As a consequence, this group of patients is often treated with mechanical heart valves which require lifetime anticoagulation. The group of Prof McGregor at the Heart Hospital, London, UK, have defined an antibody (alpha-Gal) mediated inflammatory mechanism which enhances calcification, and have developed genetically modified sources of valves which do not make the Gal antigen (GTKO). In collaboration with Dr Burriesci, they are now working on the manufacturing and preclinical testing of fixed valves from GTKO sources, to determine will determine if this material can produce a biological heart valve with prolonged durability. Such valves would advance the standard of care as they would be expected to be more durable in older patients and could be used in younger patients currently treated with mechanical valves. This would eliminate the need for lifetime anticoagulation and the related risk of thromboembolic complications for these younger patients.