Animal tissue, particularly in the form of biological grafts and scaffolds (e.g., porcine or bovine-derived collagen), is scientifically validated for use in supporting or treating patients in preparation for surgery and during surgical interventions. These tissues are often processed to create biocompatible materials such as heart valves, skin substitutes for burn victims, and surgical meshes for hernia repair. The scientific rationale for their use is based on their structural similarity to human tissue, which facilitates integration, minimizes immune rejection, and supports tissue regeneration.

Numerous clinical studies and decades of surgical practice support the efficacy and safety of animal-derived grafts. For example, porcine heart valves have been used successfully in cardiac surgery for over 50 years, with outcomes comparable to mechanical alternatives but with the added benefit of reduced need for lifelong anticoagulation. Similarly, acellular dermal matrices derived from animal tissues are widely used in reconstructive and plastic surgery to provide a scaffold for new tissue growth and promote healing.

Regulatory agencies such as the FDA rigorously evaluate these products for safety, and there is a robust body of literature describing their biomedical properties, clinical applications, and outcomes. While advances in synthetic and human-derived alternatives are ongoing, animal tissues remain an important, scientifically validated option in the surgical toolkit.