Implantation of a xenogeneic stentless aortic bioprosthesis. First experience

To overcome the specific disadvantages of mechanical valves and stented bioprostheses, we implanted a stentless xenogeneic aortic valve in a patient with calcified aortic stenosis. The postoperative study revealed a pressure gradient of 25 mmHg, a minor insufficiency of 10% of total stroke volume and a slightly restricted motion of the leaflets. Although the implantation of a stentless xenogeneic aortic valve is feasible, one should be aware of the specific technical difficulties due to the increased rigidity of the fixed tissue, which is not known in homografts. To our knowledge this is the first report on the implantation of a stentless xenogeneic aortic valve.