Influence of prosthesis type on long-term survival after re-replacement of aortic valve prosthesis

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of the prosthesis type on early mortality and long-term survival after re-replacement of aortic valve prosthesis, especially in patients over 60 years old.

Late outcome of 223 patients who underwent a reoperation on the aortic valve and received a mechanical (mechanical group) or biological (biological group) heart valve prosthesis at a single institution were analyzed for survival and major valve-related complications, including structural valve deterioration, thromboembolism, hemorrhage, further reoperation, and valve-related mortality.

Preoperative New York Heart Association class IV (P = 0.001), emergency procedure (P = 0.002), and endocarditis (P = 0.025) were significant risk factors for 30-day mortality rates, which were 8.4 % and 12.5 %, respectively (mechanical versus biological group, P = 0.361). A subanalysis of elective patients revealed a low risk of 30-day mortality of 2.4 % and 1.8 %, respectively. Event-free survival was comparable at 5 years (73.9% ± 3.6% versus 70.5% ± 6.5%, mechanical versus biological group) and 10 year (49.7% ± 5.0% versus 35.3% ± 9.8%, mechanical versus biological group). In a propensity-matched subanalysis, survival and event-free survival were comparable at 5 and 10 years in both groups.

The type of aortic valve prosthesis did not affect early outcome and late survival in patients who underwent valve replacement, and therefore, the current strategy favoring a biological aortic valve prosthesis for patients aged over 60 years in first-time operations could also be applied in re-replacement.