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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery
Published on: November 28, 2018
Prospectively randomized comparison of different mechanical aortic valves.
R Autschbach1, T Walther, V Falk
1Universität Leipzig, Herzzentrum, Klinik für Herzchirurgie, Leipzig, Germany. autr@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Circulation
|November 18, 2000
Summary
This study found no significant clinical differences between three bileaflet mechanical aortic valves after replacement surgery. All tested valves demonstrated low complication rates and are suitable for aortic valve replacement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiac Valve Prosthetics
Background:
- Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a critical procedure for managing aortic stenosis.
- Bileaflet mechanical valves are commonly used prostheses in AVR.
- Comparative data on the long-term hemodynamic and functional outcomes of different bileaflet valves are essential for clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate and compare the hemodynamic and functional outcomes of three distinct bileaflet mechanical aortic valves.
- To assess complication rates and reoperation incidence associated with each valve type.
- To determine if any clinically relevant differences exist among the ATS, Carbomedics, and St Jude Medical Hemodynamic Plus valves.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized study involving 300 patients undergoing AVR.
- Patients were assigned to receive either ATS, Carbomedics, or St Jude Medical Hemodynamic Plus mechanical valves (n=100 each).
- Follow-up included transthoracic echocardiography at postoperative, 6-month, and 1-year intervals, with multivariate statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in patient demographics, baseline left ventricular function, or aortic stenosis severity were observed across the three groups.
- At 1-year follow-up, complication rates (death, stroke, valve incompetence, paravalvular leak, reoperation) were low and not significantly different among the valve types.
- Transvalvular flow velocities showed minor postoperative differences but normalized by 6 months, with no significant intergroup variations. Left ventricular mass decreased similarly in all patients.
Conclusions:
- The study concludes that there are no clinically significant differences among the ATS, Carbomedics, and St Jude Medical Hemodynamic Plus bileaflet mechanical aortic valves.
- All three prostheses demonstrated a low incidence of complications, indicating their suitability for aortic valve replacement.
- These findings support the use of any of these three bileaflet valves based on surgeon preference and patient factors.
