Related Experiment Videos
The Carbomedics prosthetic heart valve: four year follow-up in 100 patients
M R Aupart1, S El Hammami, F Diemont
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Trousseau University Hospital, Tours, France.
Insights
This study evaluated the Carbomedics bileaflet valve in 100 patients, showing a 4-year survival rate of 94%. The valve demonstrated favorable outcomes with low complication rates, comparable to other bileaflet valves.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Mechanical heart valves are crucial for valve replacement surgery.
- Bileaflet valves are widely used due to their hemodynamic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Carbomedics bileaflet valve.
- To assess long-term outcomes including survival and complications.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 100 patients undergoing valve replacement (aortic, mitral, or double) with Carbomedics bileaflet valves.
- Follow-up averaged 2.8 years (280 patient-years).
- Analysis of operative mortality, late deaths, and valve-related complications.
Main Results:
- Operative mortality was 3%.
- After 4 years, actuarial survival was 94%+/-5%, with no valve-related deaths.
- Low rates of thromboembolism (0.7%/patient-year) and reoperation (0.3%/patient-year) were observed.
Conclusions:
- The Carbomedics bileaflet valve shows promising 4-year results, comparable to other bileaflet valves.
- Further long-term studies are recommended for definitive conclusions.
Abstract:
From December 1988 to December 1991, 100 patients underwent valve replacement with a Carbomedics bileaflet valve in our institution (55 aortic valve replacements, 28 mitral valve replacements, and 17 double valve replacements). Fifty-nine percent were males. Mean age was 55.7+/-12.3 years. Fifty eight percent of patients were in NYHA Clinical status III or IV. Operative mortality was 3% (3/100). All patients but one were followed up for an average of 2.8 years after their operation and total follow-up was 280 patient years. At the time of the study, more than 80% of patients were in NYHA class I or II, 34% were in atrial fibrillation and 100% of patients received anticoagulation treatment. There were 3 late deaths. After 4 years, the actuarial survival rate was 94%+/-5%. No patients died of valve-related causes. Valve-related complications included 2 thromboembolic episodes (0.7%-patient-year), 8 anticoagulant-related complications (2% patient-year), and one reoperation (0.3% patient-year). After 4 years, freedom from thromboembolic complication was 96%+/-4%, from endocarditis was 100%, from reoperation was 99%+/-1%, and from anticoagulant-related complications was 93%+/-5%. We conclude that the 4-year results compare with other bileaflet valves. More follow-up and larger studies are mandated to give definite conclusions.