An editorial view on the reporting of results in heart valve bioprostheses

Heart valve bioprostheses are most commonly analyzed as a group rather than individualized. Mechanical valves are usually referred to by specific name and manufacturer, while bioprostheses are pooled together as "tissue valves". Each specific bioprosthesis has its own structural characteristics and therefore a different level of performance and durability. Most large centers have an adequate number of these implants and a follow-up long enough to warrant separate analysis of each valve type. This review analyzes the differences among the most commonly used bioprostheses and reaffirms the reasons for their separate analysis. Authors, reviewers and editors must standardize their criteria to prevent this problem from recurring or escalating. New bioprostheses are now being released and unless we simplify their evaluation our questions will remain unanswered.