Pulmonary valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis: long-term results in 4 patients

Pulmonary valve replacement is rarely performed and is usually done with biological prostheses or grafts. The use of mechanical prostheses is still a debated issue. We analyzed the outcome of 4 patients at 11 years after pulmonary valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis. During follow-up, all patients remained asymptomatic, with no arrhythmias and good anticoagulation. An echocardiogram showed preserved ventricular contraction and normal function of the prostheses, with low pressure gradients. No infective endocarditis occurred. Mechanical prostheses appear to be a good choice for pulmonary valve replacement. Surgical and clinical results were satisfactory with no complications, acceptable pressure gradients, and good ventricular function after more than 10 years. Lifelong anticoagulation is mandatory, but this is usually well tolerated.