Redo aortic root repair in patients with infective prosthetic endocarditis using xenopericardial solutions

We describe a conceptual approach involving the use of self-made xenopericardial grafts in combination with biological aortic valve prostheses and in addition using a xenopericardial tubes for aortic valve reimplantation in patients with infective prosthetic endocarditis after aortic root repair or supracoronary ascending aortic replacement.

The cohort comprised 7 consecutive patients with proven prosthetic infection either after aortic root replacement (n = 5), the David operation (n = 1) or supracoronary ascending aortic replacement (n = 1). The strategy consists of complete removal of the infected prosthetic material and orthotopic reconstruction using a bovine pericardial patch sewn as a tube according to the required aortic diameter.

In case of valve replacement, Edwards Magna Ease (n = 4 patients) and Edwards Inspiris (n = 2 patients) were used inside the xenopericardial tube. Five patients also required hemiarch and 1 patient required complete aortic arch replacement. Median length of stay in the intensive care unit and on the regular ward thereafter was 11 (6.5-13.5) days and 26.0 (14.5-32.5) days, respectively. All patients were successfully discharged. Median follow-up time was 7.6 (±2.1) months. Currently, all patients are not on antibiotic therapy and free from any signs of persisting or recurring infection. At the short-term follow-up, no structural valve deterioration, paravalvular insufficiency or graft calcification was found.

Using a self-made xenopericardial graft in combination with a biological aortic valve prosthesis for a Bio-Bentall and using a xenopericardial tube for a Bio-David operation is a safe and reproducible strategy and presents an off-the-shelf alternative to homografts. The short-term results of this approach are excellent. Further studies are needed to confirm mid- and long-term durability in larger cohorts.