Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

A Simplified Stepwise Approach to Echo Guidance during Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair
Published on: October 16, 2021
Does the type of prosthesis influence early left ventricular mass regression after aortic valve replacement?
Penelope R Sensky1, Mahmoud Loubani, Richard P Keal
1Division of Cardiology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.
Background:
Debate exists regarding selection of the prosthesis type most likely to maximize early left ventricular (LV) mass regression after aortic valve replacement (AVR) for stenotic valvular disease. The aim of this study was to compare the degree of LV mass regression measured by MRI 6 months after prospectively randomized valve implantation for two biological prostheses, stented and stentless, and for two mechanical valves, tilting disc and bileaflet.
Methods:
Thirty-nine consecutive patients with predominant aortic stenosis accepted for elective AVR were studied. Twenty patients requiring a tissue prosthesis were randomly assigned to receive either a Freestyle or Mosaic valve. The remaining 19 patients in whom mechanical prosthesis was indicated were randomly assigned to receive either an Ultracor or an ATS valve.
Results:
There was no difference in valve size implanted between the compared groups. LV mass measurements were performed with MRI (1.5-T Vision, Siemens, Germany) immediately before and 6 months after surgery. All valve types produced significant postoperative reduction in LV mass compared with preoperative values (P <.01). Percent change in LV mass regression was similar between the two porcine valve types, Mosaic (24.4% +/- 11.1%) and Freestyle (21.1% +/- 16.7%), and between the two mechanical valve designs, Ultracor (19.3% +/- 9.5%) and ATS (26.3% +/- 10.8%), respectively.
Conclusions:
Significant LV remodeling occurs early after AVR for aortic stenosis. The degree of regression in LV mass is independent of prosthesis type implanted.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
