Excellent Hemodynamic Performance After Aortic Valve Neocuspidization Using Autologous Pericardium

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Biomaterials in Medicine
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) using autologous pericardium (Ozaki procedure) is an alternative to prosthetic valve replacement.
• This technique aims to overcome limitations associated with conventional prosthetic aortic valves.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of AVNeo.
• To compare the hemodynamic performance of AVNeo with a virtually implanted prosthetic valve.

Main Methods:

• 103 patients underwent AVNeo between October 2016 and April 2019.
• Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at discharge and 6-12 months post-surgery.
• Hemodynamic parameters (pressure gradients, effective orifice area) were compared to a virtually implanted Trifecta bioprosthesis.

Main Results:

• All patients achieved successful trileaflet aortic valve reconstruction.
• The 2-year freedom from reoperation rate was 96.1%.
• AVNeo demonstrated a significantly lower mean pressure gradient and higher effective orifice area compared to the virtual prosthetic valve.

Conclusions:

• AVNeo exhibits low reoperation rates within the first two years.
• The procedure provides excellent hemodynamic performance.
• Effective orifice area and mean pressure gradient remain stable within the first year post-AVNeo.