[Results of isolated aortic valve replacement]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Cardiac Valve Surgery
• Aortic Valve Replacement

Context:

• Surgical techniques and postoperative risks for aortic valve replacement (AVR) have improved.
• Indications for AVR may need revision to optimize surgical outcomes.
• Preoperative patient factors and surgical technique influence AVR results.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the outcomes of 170 aortic valve replacements performed over 4 years.
• To assess early and late mortality, functional recovery, and return to work.
• To identify prognostic factors influencing late mortality and functional status post-AVR.

Summary:

• 170 AVRs (100 stenosis, 70 insufficiency) were performed using Bjork prosthesis or homografts with a minimum 1-year follow-up.
• Early mortality was 5.3%, primarily related to surgical technique.
• Late mortality was 8.1%, with a third linked to technique or prosthesis; Stage IV heart failure negatively impacted survival.

Impact:

• Significant decrease in Sokolow index and modest decrease in cardiac size one year post-surgery.
• Most survivors achieved good functional status; 1% (stenosis) and 7% (insufficiency) remained in severe heart failure.
• 78% of working patients returned to work, but only 40% of those with Stage IV failure could return.