[Midterm results of bilateral enlargement of the aortic valve ring for valve replacement]

From 1989, 4 patients underwent bilateral enlargement of the aortic valve ring for valve replacement. Age at the operation ranged from 2 to 8 (mean 6) years; body weight ranged from 14.9 to 25.4 (mean 19.0) kg. This procedure enabled us to implant a prosthesis 3 to 4 sizes larger (19 to 23 mm) than that measured with the native aortic annulus (13 to 17 mm). There was no late death and no cardiac event over a mean follow-up period of 6.2 years. Pressure gradient across the prosthesis measured by echocardiography was 40 mmHg in 1 patient who underwent aortic valve replacement with the use of 19 mm St. Jude Medical valve at 2 years of age. There was no significant pressure gradient in other 3 patients. All patients showed normal left ventricular function. We conclude that bilateral enlargement of the aortic valve ring for valve replacement has provided good midterm results with no mortality and no cardiac event.