Outcomes after mechanical aortic valve replacement in children and young adults with congenital heart disease

Lifetime Management of Adolescents and Young Adults with Congenital Aortic Valve Disease

In this invited expert review, we focus on evolving lifetime management strategies for adolescents and young adults with congenital aortic valve disease, acknowledging that these patients often require multiple interventions during their lifetime. Our goal is to preserve the native aortic valve when feasible. Leveraging advanced multimodality imaging, a detailed assessment of the aortic valve and root complex can be obtained, and a surgically approach tailored to an individual patient's anatomy and pathology can be used. In turn, aortic valve repair and reconstruction can be offered to a greater number of patients, either as a definitive strategy or as a component of a staged strategy to delay the need for aortic valve replacement until later in life when more options are available.

Ross procedure or mechanical aortic valve, which is the best lifetime option for an 18-year-old? A decision analysis

Objectives

Identifying the optimal solution for young adults requiring aortic valve replacement (AVR) is challenging, given the variety of options and their lifetime complication risks, impacts on quality of life, and costs. Decision analytic techniques make comparisons incorporating these measures. We evaluated lifetime valve-related outcomes of mechanical aortic valve replacement (mAVR) versus the Ross procedure (Ross) using decision tree microsimulations modeling.

Methods

Transition probabilities, utilities, and costs derived from published reports were entered into a Markov model decision tree to explore progression between health states for hypothetical 18-year-old patients. In total, 20,000 Monte Carlo microsimulations were performed to model mortality, quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs), and health care costs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. Sensitivity analyses was performed to identify transition probabilities at which the preferred strategy switched from baseline.

Results

From modeling, average 20-year mortality was 16.3% and 23.2% for Ross and mAVR, respectively. Average 20-year freedom from stroke and major bleeding was 98.6% and 94.6% for Ross, and 90.0% and 82.2% for mAVR, respectively. Average individual lifetime (60 postoperative years) utility (28.3 vs 23.5 QALYs) and cost ($54,233 vs $507,240) favored Ross over mAVR. The average ICER demonstrated that each QALY would cost $95,345 more for mAVR. Sensitivity analysis revealed late annual probabilities of autograft/left ventricular outflow tract disease and homograft/right ventricular outflow tract disease after Ross, and late death after mAVR, to be important ICER determinants.

Conclusions

Our modeling suggests that Ross is preferred to mAVR, with superior freedom from valve-related morbidity and mortality, and improved cost-utility for young adults requiring aortic valve surgery.

Long-Term Outcomes of Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement in Children

When the options of aortic valve repair or the Ross procedure are not feasible or have been exhausted, mechanical aortic valve replacement (AVR) may provide a reliable and structurally durable alternative, but with the limitations of long-term anticoagulation, thrombosis risk and lack of valve growth potential. In this article, we review the longitudinal outcomes of mechanical AVR in children in our institution and compare them to those recently reported by others. From 1978 to 2020, 62 patients underwent mechanical AVR at a median age of 12.4 years (interquartile range (IQR): 8.6-16.8 years). The most common underlying diagnoses were: conotruncal anomalies (40%, 25/62), congenital aortic stenosis (16%, 10/62), rheumatic valve disease (16%, 10/62), connective tissue disease (8.1%, 5/62) and infective endocarditis (6.5%, 4/62). Thirty-two patients (52%, 32/62) had at least 1 prior aortic valve surgery prior to mechanical AVR. Early death was 3.2% (2/62). Median follow-up was 14.4 years (IQR: 8.4-28.2 years). Kaplan-Meier survival was 96.8%, 91.9%, 86.3%, and 81.9% at 1, 5, 10, and 20 years. On competing risk analysis, the proportion of patients alive without aortic valve reoperation at 1, 5, 10, and 20 years was 95.2%, 87.0%, 75.5% and 55.4%, respectively, while the proportion of patients that had aortic valve reoperation (with death as a competing event) at 1, 5, 10, and 20 years was 1.6%, 4.9%, 12.8%, and 28.5%, respectively. In conclusion, when the options of aortic valve repair or the Ross procedure are not feasible in children, mechanical AVR is an alternative, yet the long-term rates of mortality and need for aortic valve reoperation are of concern.

Outcomes after Mechanical Aortic Valve Replacement in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Background

The optimal choice of valve substitute for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in pediatric patients remains a matter of debate. This study investigated the outcomes following AVR using mechanical prostheses in children.

Methods

Forty-four patients younger than 15 years who underwent mechanical AVR from March 1990 through March 2023 were included. The outcomes of interest were death or transplantation, hemorrhagic or thromboembolic events, and reoperation after mechanical AVR. Adverse events included any death, transplant, aortic valve reoperation, and major thromboembolic or hemorrhagic event.

Results

The median age and weight at AVR were 139 months and 32 kg, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 56 months. The most commonly used valve size was 21 mm (14 [31.8%]). There were 2 in-hospital deaths, 1 in-hospital transplant, and 1 late death. The overall survival rates at 1 and 10 years post-AVR were 92.9% and 90.0%, respectively. Aortic valve reoperation was required in 4 patients at a median of 70 months post-AVR. No major hemorrhagic or thromboembolic events occurred. The 5- and 10-year adverse event-free survival rates were 81.8% and 72.2%, respectively. In univariable analysis, younger age, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, and smaller valve size were associated with adverse events. The cut-off values for age and prosthetic valve size to minimize the risk of adverse events were 71 months and 20 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

Mechanical AVR could be performed safely in children. Younger age, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time and smaller valve size were associated with adverse events. Thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications might rarely occur.

Paediatric aortic valve replacement: a meta-analysis and microsimulation study

AIMS

To support decision-making in children undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR), by providing a comprehensive overview of published outcomes after paediatric AVR, and microsimulation-based age-specific estimates of outcome with different valve substitutes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic review of published literature reporting clinical outcome after paediatric AVR (mean age <18 years) published between 1/1/1990 and 11/08/2021 was conducted. Publications reporting outcome after paediatric Ross procedure, mechanical AVR (mAVR), homograft AVR (hAVR), and/or bioprosthetic AVR were considered for inclusion. Early risks (<30d), late event rates (>30d) and time-to-event data were pooled and entered into a microsimulation model. Sixty-eight studies, of which one prospective and 67 retrospective cohort studies, were included, encompassing a total of 5259 patients (37 435 patient-years; median follow-up: 5.9 years; range 1-21 years). Pooled mean age for the Ross procedure, mAVR, and hAVR was 9.2 ± 5.6, 13.0 ± 3.4, and 8.4 ± 5.4 years, respectively. Pooled early mortality for the Ross procedure, mAVR, and hAVR was 3.7% (95% CI, 3.0%-4.7%), 7.0% (5.1%-9.6%), and 10.6% (6.6%-17.0%), respectively, and late mortality rate was 0.5%/year (0.4%-0.7%/year), 1.0%/year (0.6%-1.5%/year), and 1.4%/year (0.8%-2.5%/year), respectively. Microsimulation-based mean life-expectancy in the first 20 years was 18.9 years (18.6-19.1 years) after Ross (relative life-expectancy: 94.8%) and 17.0 years (16.5-17.6 years) after mAVR (relative life-expectancy: 86.3%). Microsimulation-based 20-year risk of aortic valve reintervention was 42.0% (95% CI: 39.6%-44.6%) after Ross and 17.8% (95% CI: 17.0%-19.4%) after mAVR.

CONCLUSION

Results of paediatric AVR are currently suboptimal with substantial mortality especially in the very young with considerable reintervention hazards for all valve substitutes, but the Ross procedure provides a survival benefit over mAVR. Pros and cons of substitutes should be carefully weighed during paediatric valve selection.

Urgent aortic valve neocuspidization using the Ozaki procedure in an infant with native aortic valve endocarditis

Native valve aortic endocarditis is rarely seen in the paediatric population. Although, the first-line of treatment is medical, surgical intervention may be indicated in patients with unrepairable valvular and subvalvular disease. Recently, the aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) procedure has gained popularity both in adult and children in whom other repair techniques are not feasible. In this case report, we present an urgent aortic valve replacement using the AVNeo technique in a critically ill infant with a small annulus, severe left ventricular outflow tract stenosis, and severe aortic regurgitation.

Pediatric pulmonary valve replacements: Clinical challenges and emerging technologies

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) frequently impact the right ventricular outflow tract, resulting in a significant incidence of pulmonary valve replacement in the pediatric population. While contemporary pediatric pulmonary valve replacements (PPVRs) allow satisfactory patient survival, their biocompatibility and durability remain suboptimal and repeat operations are commonplace, especially for very young patients. This places enormous physical, financial, and psychological burdens on patients and their parents, highlighting an urgent clinical need for better PPVRs. An important reason for the clinical failure of PPVRs is biofouling, which instigates various adverse biological responses such as thrombosis and infection, promoting research into various antifouling chemistries that may find utility in PPVR materials. Another significant contributor is the inevitability of somatic growth in pediatric patients, causing structural discrepancies between the patient and PPVR, stimulating the development of various growth-accommodating heart valve prototypes. This review offers an interdisciplinary perspective on these challenges by exploring clinical experiences, physiological understandings, and bioengineering technologies that may contribute to device development. It thus aims to provide an insight into the design requirements of next-generation PPVRs to advance clinical outcomes and promote patient quality of life.

Aortic valve repair in the pediatric population: emerging role of aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo procedure)

Management of aortic valve diseases in children is challenging owing to the quality and quantity of the native tissue for repair, limitations in the currently available biological materials to supplement the repair and to achieve a long-lasting durable repair in an annulus where there is still growth potential. The aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) procedure has emerged as a versatile alternative strategy in the armamentarium of pediatric aortic valve reconstructions that are currently available. In this review article, the focus of the discussion will be on the various aortic valve repair procedures in the pediatric population, with a special emphasis on the emerging role of AVNeo procedure in pediatrics and its outcomes.

Congenital Aortic Valve Repair When the Options aren't Good: Truncus Arteriosus and Transposition of the Great Arteries

Patients with truncus arteriosus and transposition of great arteries are prone to neo-aortic valve insufficiency. Although presenting at opposite ends of the age spectrum, both conditions tend to be commonly associated with neo aortic root dilatation. In patients with truncus arteriosus there is an additional complexity of quadricuspid valve morphology, which make up the majority of valves requiring repair. A unified approach to all these patients would include reduction and stabilization of the annulus and sinotubular junction, as well as achieving equal and symmetrical coaptation of the valve leaflets. By systematically employing these techniques, valve replacement should be avoidable in most children.

Surgical outcomes among children with bicuspid aortic valve: 17 years of experience in a single center. First report in Mexico

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and surgical outcomes among children with bicuspid aortic valve who underwent cardiac surgery.

METHODS

This observational and retrospective study included patients with a diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve who underwent cardiac surgery between January 1, 2003, and March 31, 2020. Demographic characteristics and perioperative conditions were described.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixteen patients were included, with a mean age of 12.4 ± 4.2 years; 63.2% were male. The most frequent diagnosis was congenital aortic stenosis (23.5%), followed by connective tissue disorders (16%). Mechanical aortic prostheses were used in 87.7% of cases, with a mean size of 21 ± 2.6 mm. The main factors associated with mortality were valve prosthesis dysfunction (odds ratio [OR]: 12.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-147.48; p = .04) and reoperation (OR: 24.29; 95% CI: 1.03-570.08; p = .04). The overall survival was 87.9%, with better outcomes among those who did not undergo reoperation (Log Rank, p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes after aortic valve replacement in children with bicuspid aortic valve are excellent in the short and long term, regardless of using mechanical or biological prostheses.

Paediatrician's guide to post-operative care for biventricular CHD: a review

IMPORTANCE

Paediatricians play an integral role in the lifelong care of children with CHD, many of whom will undergo cardiac surgery. There is a paucity of literature for the paediatrician regarding the post-operative care of such patients.

OBSERVATIONS

The aim of this manuscript is to summarise essential principles and pertinent lesion-specific context for the care of patients who have undergone surgery or intervention resulting in a biventricular circulation.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Familiarity with common issues following cardiac surgery or intervention, as well as key details regarding specific lesions and surgeries, will aid the paediatrician in providing optimal care for these patients.

Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Implantation in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is common in adults but rare in children and adolescents. Since 2014, our institution has incorporated a transcatheter approach as an option for aortic valve replacement in this population. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of TAVI with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). This single-center, retrospective study included patients aged 10 to 21 years who had a native SAVR or TAVI between January 2010 to April 2020. Comparative analysis of baseline characteristics and a composite outcome (stroke within 6 months, readmission within 30 days, death) between SAVR and TAVI were made using chi-square test or Wilcoxon rank sum test, as appropriate. Of the 77 patients who underwent native aortic valve implantation during the study period (60 SAVR, 17 TAVI), 46 were aged 10 to 21 years (30 SAVR, 16 TAVI). Median follow-up was 3.8 years (interquartile range 1.5 to 4.9) for the SAVR group and 1.5 years (interquartile range 1.1 to 1.2) for the TAVI group. There was no difference in the composite outcome between groups. Patients in the SAVR group were more likely to have undergone concomitant surgical intervention and have longer intensive care unit and hospital stays. In conclusion, our study suggests similar short-term outcomes between SAVR and TAVI in children and young adults aged 10 to 21 years. Longer-term studies are essential to understand the utility of TAVI and to better consider the option of a transcatheter approach as an alternative to SAVR in the pediatric population.

Single-Leaflet Aortic Valve Reconstruction Utilizing the Ozaki Technique in Patients With Congenital Aortic Valve Disease

Evaluate outcomes of single leaflet aortic valve reconstruction using Ozaki sizer and template. Single institute retrospective analysis between August 2015 and August 2019. Thirty-three patients, median age 9.3 years and weight 29.2 kg underwent single leaflet Ozaki repair. Preoperative indications were: AR (n = 17), AS (n = 3) or AS/AR (n = 13). Baseline anatomy was unicuspid (n = 15), bicuspid (n = 9) or tricuspid (n = 9). Two patients had endocarditis. Prior interventions included balloon valvuloplasty (n = 22) and aortic valve repair (n = 9). Pre-op average native annulus diameter was 19.6 mm and peak echo gradient was 36 mm Hg. Autologous pericardium, Photofix and CardioCel bovine pericardium were used in 26, 5, and 2 patients. Non-coronary sinus enlargement was required in 3 and aortic root reduction in 9 patients. Single leaflet reconstruction was done for the right coronary cusp (n = 25), non-coronary cusp in (n = 6) and left coronary cusp (n = 2). Additional procedures were done in 30 patients. Median ICU and hospital LOS were 2.1 and 6.3 days. There were no early re-interventions or conversions to valve replacement and one unrelated mortality.en At discharge, all patients had < moderate AR and/or AS with average peak gradients of 15 mm Hg. The median follow-up was 1.1 year, (IQR 0.7-1.8 years). Freedom from ≥ moderate AR and AS at 2 years was 76% and 86%. One patient required surgical re-intervention for severe AR 1.5 years after surgery for inflammatory infiltrate with calcification and fibrosis. Single-leaflet aortic valve leaflet reconstruction utilizing the Ozaki technique has promising early results and can be considered in patients when there are acceptable native leaflets.

Aortic valve replacement in pediatric patients: 30 years single center experience

Background

The choice of aortic valve replacement needs to be decided in an interdisciplinary approach and together with the patients and their families regarding the need for re-operation and risks accompanying anticoagulation. We report long-term outcomes after different AVR options.

Methods

A chart review of patients aged < 18 years at time of surgery, who had undergone AVR from May 1985 until April 2020 was conducted. Contraindications for Ross procedure, which is performed since 1991 at the center were reviewed in the observed non-Ross AVR cohort. The study endpoints were compared between the mechanical AVR and the biological AVR cohort.

Results

From May 1985 to April 2020 fifty-five patients received sixty AVRs: 33 mechanical AVRs and 27 biological AVRs. In over half of the fifty-three AVRs performed after 1991 (58.5%; 31/53) a contraindication for Ross procedure was present. Early mortality was 5% (3/60). All early deaths occurred in patients aged < 1 year at time of surgery. Two late deaths occurred and survival was 94.5% ± 3.1% at 10 years and 86.4% ± 6.2% at 30 years. Freedom from aortic valve re-operation was higher (p < 0.001) in the mechanical AVR than in the biological AVR cohort with 95.2% ± 4.6% and 33.6% ± 13.4% freedom from re-operation at 10 years respectively.

Conclusions

Re-operation was less frequent in the mechanical AVR cohort than in the biological AVR cohort. For mechanical AVR, the risk for thromboembolic and bleeding events was considerable with a composite linearized event rate per valve-year of 3.2%.

The Ross Procedure in Children: The Gold Standard?

The management of aortic valve disease in the pediatric population is complex and requires an individualized approach and opportune application of techniques focused on each individual patient's specific anatomy, pathology, and clinical presentation. Though some patients may require variations in the approach to management, the ultimate goal should be to perform a Ross procedure when aortic valve replacement is indicated.

Porcine Umbilical Cord Perivascular Cells for Preclinical Testing of Tissue-Engineered Heart Valves

Many children born with congenital heart disease need a heart valve repair or replacement. Currently available repair materials and valve replacements are incapable of growth, repair, and adaptation, rendering them inadequate for growing children. Heart valve tissue engineering (HVTE) aims to develop living replacement valves that can meet these needs. Among numerous cell sources for in vitro HVTE, umbilical cord perivascular cells (UCPVCs) are particularly attractive because they are autologous, readily available, and have excellent regenerative capacity. As an essential step toward preclinical testing of heart valves engineered from UCPVCs, the goal of this study was to establish methods to isolate, expand, and promote extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis by UCPVCs from pigs (porcine umbilical cord perivascular cells [pUCPVCs]), as a relevant preclinical model. We determined that Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with 20% fetal bovine serum supported isolation and substantial expansion of pUCPVCs, whereas media designed for human mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) expansion did not. We further demonstrated the capacity of pUCPVCs to synthesize the main ECM components of heart valves (collagen type I, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans), with maximal collagen and elastin per-cell production occurring in serum-free culture conditions using StemMACS™ MSC Expansion Media. Altogether, these results establish protocols that enable the use of pUCPVCs as a viable cell source for preclinical testing of engineered heart valves. Impact statement This study establishes methods to successfully isolate, expand, and promote the synthesis of the main extracellular matrix components of heart valves (collagen type I, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans) by porcine umbilical cord perivascular cells (pUCPVCs). These protocols enable further evaluation of pUCPVCs as an autologous, readily available, and clinically relevant cell source for preclinical testing of pediatric tissue-engineered heart valves.

Outcomes following aortic valve procedures in 201 complex congenital heart disease cases-results from the UK National Audit

OBJECTIVES

Some patients with complex congenital heart disease (cCHD) also require aortic valve (AoV) procedures. These cases are considered high risk but their outcome has not been well characterized. We aim to describe these scenarios in the current practice, and provide outcome data for counselling and decision-making.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study using the UK National Congenital Heart Disease Audit data on cCHD patients undergoing aortic valve replacement, balloon dilation (balloon aortic valvuloplasty) or surgical repair (surgical aortic valve repair) between 2000 and 2012. Coarsened exact matching was used to pair cCHD with patients undergoing AoV procedures for isolated valve disease.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients with a varied spectrum of cCHD undergoing 242 procedures were included, median age 9.4 years (1 day-65 years). Procedure types were: balloon aortic valvuloplasty (n = 31, 13%), surgical aortic valve repair (n = 57, 24%) and aortic valve replacement (n = 154, 63%). Mortality at 30 days was higher in neonates (21.8% vs 5.3%, P = 0.02). Survival at 10 years was 83.1%, freedom from aortic valve replacement 83.8% and freedom from balloon aortic valvuloplasty/surgical aortic valve repair 86.3%. Neonatal age (P < 0.001), single ventricle (P = 0.08), concomitant Fontan/Glenn (P = 0.002) or aortic arch procedures (0.02) were associated with higher mortality. cCHD patients had lower survival at 30 days (93% vs 100%, P = 0.003) and at 10 years (86.4% vs 96.1%, P = 0.005) compared to matched isolated AoV disease patients.

CONCLUSIONS

AoV procedures in cCHD can be performed with good results outside infancy, but with higher mortality than in isolated AoV disease. Neonates and patients with single ventricle defects, especially those undergoing concomitant Fontan/Glenn, have worse outcomes.

Extracardiac Complications in Intensive Care Units after Surgical Repair for Congenital Heart Disease: Imaging Review with a Focus on Ultrasound and Radiography

Pediatric patients show various extracardiac complications after cardiovascular surgery, and radiography and ultrasound are routinely performed in the intensive care unit to detect and evaluate these complications. This review presents images of these complications, sonographic approach, and timing of occurrence that are categorized based on their extracardiac locations and include complications pertaining to the central nervous system, mediastinum, thorax and lung parenchyma, diaphragm, liver and biliary system, and kidney along with pleural effusion and iatrogenic complications. This pictorial review will make it easier for medical doctors in intensive care units to identify and manage various extracardiac complications in pediatric patients after cardiovascular surgery.

The Role of Novel Transcatheter Procedures in Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

The development of percutaneous structural interventions in patients with acquired heart disease is happening at an exponential rate, and some of this technology is being used to treat patients with congenital heart disease. This review describes the pathophysiology of valvular abnormalities specific to congenital heart disease and discusses the application of structural procedures in this population. Although the overall experience has been encouraging, especially in high-risk patients, this article will highlight the reasons that a cautious approach to adoption of this technology is necessary in these patients.

Postoperative morbidity and mortality from aortic valve replacements in 25 cases in Senegal

The purpose is to study the short- and medium-term morbidity and mortality linked to the implantation of an aortic prosthesis during cardiac surgery. This is a longitudinal, retrospective and descriptive study which takes place over a period from January 2017 to March 2020 (38 months) at the level of the thoracic and cardiovascular surgery clinic of the university Hospital Center of Fann in Dakar. All patients who underwent aortic valve replacement during this period were included in the study. A number of the series was 25 patients with a sex ratio of 2.66. The average age of the patients was 29.5 years (8-51 years). In the patients’ history, 19 patients (76%) had a notion of recurrent angina. Exercise dyspnea was the most common functional symptomatology present in 24 patients (96%). In the series, there were 22 cases (88%) of aortic insufficiency of various grades (2 to 4) with 7 cases (28%) associated with mitral insufficiency. We had 3 cases (12%) of aortic stenosis. All patients received surgical management under cardiopulmonary bypass. The average duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was 132 minutes ± 41.21 (53-226 minutes). The average duration of aortic clamping was 101 minutes ± 31.87 (53-164 minutes). The surgical procedures consisted in replacing the aortic valve with a biological prosthesis in one patient (4%) and a mechanical prosthesis in 24 patients (96%). The average length of hospital stay in intensive care was 5 days ± 4.03 (2-20 days). The average length of hospital stay was 20.76 days ± 13.19 (9 to 64 days). The average duration of follow-up was 8.2 months ± 4.57 (1 week - 32 months). During the follow-up, only one patient (4%) had developed infectious endocarditis on prosthesis and only one patient (4%) had a complication related to anticoagulant therapy (antivitamin K) such as gingivorrhagia and melena. We had recorded a single case of death at 6 months, a late mortality of 4%. Aortic valve replacement surgery, by median sternotomy gives satisfactory short- and medium-term results with negligible morbidity and negligible operative mortality.

Modified Ozaki Procedure Including Annular Enlargement for Small Aortic Annuli in Young Patients

BACKGROUND

Aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) (Ozaki procedure) has excellent midterm results in adults. Outcomes in patients with a small native aortic annulus are unknown. We report early outcomes in young patients with small native aortic valve annuli.

METHODS

Retrospective data of patients undergoing AVNeo between 2015 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients with native aortic annulus less than 21 mm undergoing 3-leaflet AVNeo were included.

RESULTS

A total of 51 patients were identified (median age 7.9 years; median weight 21 kg), and 80% patients were less than or equal to 12 years age. Preoperative indication was aortic regurgitation (AR) (n = 23), aortic stenosis (AS) (n = 22), or mixed AS and AR (n = 6). Baseline anatomy was quadricuspid (n = 1), tricuspid (n = 23), bicuspid (n = 15), or unicuspid (n = 12) valve. Preoperative peak gradient for AS and mixed AS and AR patients was 55.36 mm Hg. Median native annulus diameter was 17 mm; sinus and annular enlargements were required in 22 patients and 9 patients, respectively. Median intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were 2.0 days and 7.2 days, respectively. There were no reinterventions, and there was 1 hospital mortality unrelated to aortic valve. At discharge, 94% of patients had less than or equal to mild AR, and the median peak gradient was 18 mm Hg. At mean follow-up of 11.9 months, 80% and 82% of patients had less than moderate AR and AS, respectively. Three patients required surgical reintervention. In annular enlargement patients, mean annulus Z score remained greater than 0 at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ozaki procedure has acceptable short-term results in young patients with small aortic annuli. A larger aortic annulus can be achieved with surgical annular enlargement. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine late valve function and potential continued annular growth.

Congenital aortic and truncal valve reconstruction using the Ozaki technique: Short-term clinical results

OBJECTIVES

Aortic valve reconstruction (AVRec) with neocuspidization or the Ozaki procedure with complete cusp replacement for aortic valve disease has excellent mid-term results in adults. Limited results of AVRec in pediatric patients have been reported. We report our early outcomes of the Ozaki procedure for congenital aortic and truncal valve disease.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on all 57 patients with congenital aortic and truncal valve disease who had a 3-leaflet Ozaki procedure at a single institution from August 2015 to February 2019. Outcome measures included mortality, surgical or catheter-based reinterventions, and echocardiographic measurements.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients had aortic regurgitation (AR), 6 had aortic stenosis (AS), and 27 patients had AS/AR. Two patients had quadricuspid valves, 26 had tricuspid, 20 had bicuspid, and 9 had unicusp aortic valves. Four patients had truncus arteriosus. Thirty-four patients had previous aortic valve repairs and 5 had replacements. Preoperative echocardiography mean annular diameter was 20.90 ± 4.98 cm and peak gradient for patients with AS/AR was 53.62 ± 22.20 mm Hg. Autologous, Photofix, and CardioCel bovine pericardia were used in 20, 35, and 2 patients. Eight patients required aortic root enlargement and 20 had sinus enlargement. Fifty-one patients had concomitant procedures. Median intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were 1.87 and 6.38 days. There were no hospital mortalities or early conversions to valve replacement. At discharge, 98% of patients had mild or less regurgitation and peak aortic gradient was 16.9 ± 9.5 mm Hg. Two patients underwent aortic valve replacement. At median follow-up of 8.1 months, 96% and 91% of patients had less than moderate regurgitation and stenosis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The AVRec procedure has acceptable short-term results and should be considered for valve reconstruction in pediatric patients with congenital aortic and truncal valve disease. Longer-term follow-up is necessary to determine the optimal patch material and late valve function and continued annular growth.

Fiber Scaffold Patterning for Mending Hearts: 3D Organization Bringing the Next Step

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of death worldwide. The most common conditions that lead to HF are coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, valve disorders, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy. Due to the limited regenerative capacity of the heart, the only curative therapy currently available is heart transplantation. Therefore, there is a great need for the development of novel regenerative strategies to repair the injured myocardium, replace damaged valves, and treat occluded coronary arteries. Recent advances in manufacturing technologies have resulted in the precise fabrication of 3D fiber scaffolds with high architectural control that can support and guide new tissue growth, opening exciting new avenues for repair of the human heart. This review discusses the recent advancements in the novel research field of fiber patterning manufacturing technologies for cardiac tissue engineering (cTE) and to what extent these technologies could meet the requirements of the highly organized and structured cardiac tissues. Additionally, future directions of these novel fiber patterning technologies, designs, and applicability to advance cTE are presented.

Aortic valve neo-cuspidation using the Ozaki technique for acquired and congenital disease: where does this procedure currently stand?

The surgical treatment options for pediatric aortic valve disease are limited. The Ozaki procedure, which involves templated creation of new aortic valve leaflets, has proved to be a promising surgical technique. This review aims at elaborating the indications, technical intricacies, and outcomes of the aortic valve neo-cuspidization procedure (Ozaki procedure) in the pediatric population.