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Updated: Sep 25, 2025

Protocol for Relative Hydrodynamic Assessment of Tri-leaflet Polymer Valves
Published on: October 17, 2013
[Early Structural Valve Deterioration of Third-generation Biological Prosthesis]
Norimasa Haijima1, Mikihiko Kudo, Shinntaro Nakajima
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Hospital Organization Saitama Hospital, Wako, Japan.
The Trifecta GT valve, used since 2012, shows early structural valve deterioration (SVD) due to noncalcified leaflet tears in four cases. This contrasts with previous findings, highlighting a potential issue with this bioprosthetic valve.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- The Trifecta GT valve, a third-generation bioprosthetic device, has been utilized in Japan since 2012.
- Its design features external leaflet mounting, aiming for improved hemodynamics and increased effective valve opening area.
- Previous studies reported favorable 8-year structural valve deterioration (SVD) avoidance rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on early SVD cases associated with the Trifecta GT valve.
- To investigate the specific mechanism of SVD, focusing on noncalcified leaflet tears.
Main Methods:
- Case series reporting on four patients who received the Trifecta GT valve.
- Clinical and echocardiographic data review to assess valve function and identify SVD causes.
Main Results:
- Four cases of early SVD were identified in patients with the Trifecta GT valve.
- The primary cause of SVD in these cases was noncalcified leaflet tears.
- This finding differs from prior reports attributing most Trifecta valve SVD to calcification.
Conclusions:
- Noncalcified leaflet tears represent a significant cause of early SVD in the Trifecta GT valve.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the mechanisms and prevalence of this specific SVD type.
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