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Aortic valve replacement with cryopreserved pulmonary allograft
W Konertz1, R Tandler, M Hasfeld
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Muenster, Germany.
Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Cryopreserved pulmonary allografts are effective for aortic valve replacement, showing good function and survival rates comparable to aortic allografts, even in patients with endocarditis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- The pulmonary valve can function as a systemic semilunar valve.
- Cryopreserved pulmonary allografts are utilized for aortic valve replacement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cryopreserved pulmonary allografts for aortic valve replacement.
- To assess outcomes in patients with native or prosthetic valve endocarditis undergoing this procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 89 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with pulmonary cryopreserved allografts between 1990 and 1992.
- Inclusion of 16 patients with native or prosthetic valve endocarditis.
- Follow-up included outpatient visits and echocardiography every 3-6 months.
Main Results:
- Four early and three late deaths occurred. Four valves required explantation.
- Echocardiography showed low or absent gradients and minimal aortic regurgitation.
- Event-free survival at 3 years was 87%, with no thromboembolic events or new endocarditis.
Conclusions:
- Cryopreserved pulmonary allografts demonstrate comparable results to aortic allografts for aortic valve replacement.
- The use of these allografts is safe, even in patients with active endocarditis.
- Continued long-term evaluation is necessary to establish the durability of these valves.