Long Term Effects of 19mm Bileaflet Aortic Valve Prosthesis

(Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Jichi Medical School, Omiya Medical Center, Saitama, Japan)

Satoshi Ito Koji Kawahito Masashi Tanaka
Kenichiro Noguchi Atushi Yamaguchi Seiichiro Murata
Koichi Adachi Hideo Adachi Takashi Ino
We reviewed our experience with 19mm size aortic valve prostheses for cases with small aortic annulus. Forty-six patients operated on between 1990 and Septembr 2002 were enrolled in this study. Clinical late assessment was performed to evaluate the incidence of valve-related complications, residual transprosthetic gradient, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and NYHA functional class. Postoperative echocardiography was performed to evaluate hemodynamic performance of the prostheses. Follow up was 1 to 12.7years (mean 5.3}3.6). There was no hospital mortality (0%). Actuarial survival rates at 10years were 81.4}1.5%. The late postoperative peak gradient was 25}11mmHg. LVMI was significantly reduced in late phase. NYHA functional class significantly improved in the late period. Although 19mm size aortic valve prosthesis remains small transprosthetic pressure gradient, LVMI significantly reduced and patient activity was satisfactory maintained in the late period.
@Jpn. J. Cardiovasc. Surg. 34: 167-171 (2005)