Allografts in aortic position: Insights from a 27-year, single-center prospective study

Over the past decades, the indication for allograft implantation in aortic position has evolved. The purpose of this study is to report long-term survival, allograft durability, and potential risk factors.

Between 1987 and 2010, 353 patients underwent aortic valve replacements via allograft (92 subcoronary, 261 root replacement; 98% aortic allografts). Patient characteristics, survival, valve durability, and valve-related events were analyzed. Patients also were followed with standardized echocardiography. A joint modeling approach was used to detect the effect of (echocardiographic) variables on mortality and reoperation hazard.

Mean age was 45 years (range, 1 month to 84 years); 71% were males. The etiology was endocarditis in 32% (active 22%), congenital 31%, degenerative 9%, aneurysm/dissection 12%, rheumatic 6%, and prosthetic valve failure 10%. Hospital mortality was 5.9% (n = 21). During follow-up (mean 12 years, range, 0-24; 99% complete), 113 patients died. Twenty-year cumulative survival was 41% (95% confidence interval, 32-50). Valve-related reoperations occurred in 117 patients: 100 structural valve deterioration, 9 nonstructural valve deterioration, and 8 endocarditis. Competing-risk analysis predicted that at 20 years 31% died, and 30% were alive without reoperation. Younger patient age was associated with increased reoperation. During follow-up left ventricular dilatation and severe aortic regurgitation were associated with mortality (P = .006 and .005, respectively), and grade 3 or greater aortic regurgitation during follow-up was associated with risk of reoperation (P = .001).

After almost 3 decades of experience with allografts in aortic position, the indication for use has become selective, mainly because of progressive structural valve deterioration over time. In case of complex aortic root pathology and active endocarditis allografts may still be useful.