Experience with the 19-mm Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis in the elderly

M Carrier1, M Pellerin, L P Perrault

  • 1Department of Surgery and Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, and the University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. carrier@icm.umontreal.ca

Insights

Aortic valve replacement using the 19-mm Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis shows excellent midterm outcomes in elderly patients. This study compared the 19-mm size to larger prostheses, finding comparable survival and event-free rates.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Aortic valve replacement in patients with small aortic roots presents unique surgical challenges.
  • The Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis is a common choice for aortic valve replacement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the midterm outcomes of the 19-mm Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis with larger bioprostheses in elderly patients (≥70 years).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 443 elderly patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprostheses.
  • Patients were divided into two groups: those who received a 19-mm prosthesis (n=93) and those who received a larger prosthesis (n=350).
  • Outcomes analyzed included 30-day mortality, 7-year survival, and 7-year freedom from valve-related events.

Main Results:

  • The 19-mm group required more associated aortoplasty (11% vs. 2%, p=0.001).
  • 30-day mortality was 12% for the 19-mm group versus 6% for the larger prostheses group (p=0.1).
  • 7-year survival rates were 61%+/-7% for the 19-mm group and 67%+/-4% for the larger prostheses group (p=0.8).
  • 7-year freedom from valve-related events was comparable: 96%+/-2% for the 19-mm group and 93%+/-2% for the larger prostheses group (p=0.6).

Conclusions:

  • The 19-mm Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis provides excellent midterm results in elderly patients undergoing aortic valve replacement.
  • This prosthesis is a viable option for patients with small aortic roots, demonstrating comparable long-term safety and efficacy to larger devices.
Abstract