Preliminary experience with the Toronto SPV stentless porcine bioprosthesis for aortic valve replacement

From November 1992 to March 1993 fourteen patients received the Toronto SPV stentless porcine xenograft as aortic valve replacement. Median age was 56 years (range 32-70 years). 7 patients were male and 7 female. Implanted valve sizes ranged from 23 mm to 29 mm, the majority of patients received valves with 27 and 29 mm tissue diameter. A learning process was evident by aortic crossclamp time decreasing with experience. No valve-related mortality or morbidity occurred. Postoperatively echocardiography showed near normal valve performance in most patients. The longevity of the valve, however, still has to be established. Meanwhile we continue the implant of stentless bioprostheses as aortic valve substitutes in selected patients.