Aortic valve replacement using autologous pericardium: single centre experience with the Ozaki technique

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Aortic valve replacement is a common procedure for aortic valve disease.
• Stentless aortic valves offer potential hemodynamic advantages but can have limitations.
• Autologous pericardium presents a promising biomaterial for valve reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical implementation of the Ozaki procedure for aortic valve replacement.
• To report preliminary outcomes of this novel technique using autologous pericardium leaflets.
• To assess the feasibility and early efficacy of the Ozaki procedure.

Main Methods:

• The Ozaki procedure was performed on 30 patients with aortic stenosis, regurgitation, or both.
• Autologous pericardium was used to reconstruct valve leaflets, tailored to individual measurements.
• Clinical data including hemodynamic parameters, procedural times, and short-term outcomes were collected.

Main Results:

• Postoperative pressure gradients significantly decreased compared to preoperative values.
• Effective orifice area was improved, and ejection fraction was preserved.
• Short-term follow-up showed minimal regurgitation and no reoperations within 3 months; 30-day mortality was 3.33%.

Conclusions:

• The Ozaki procedure is a feasible and effective stentless aortic valve replacement technique.
• Autologous pericardium reconstruction offers excellent hemodynamics and may overcome limitations of traditional bioprosthetic valves.
• This technique represents a valuable addition to the surgical options for aortic valve disease, particularly for patients with small aortic annuli or infective endocarditis.