Fifteen-year experience with the mitral Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT pericardial bioprosthesis

Durability of bovine pericardial mitral bioprosthesis based on Heart Valve Collaboratory echocardiographic criteria

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the very long-term results of the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis in the mitral position, with particular attention to structural valve deterioration based on echocardiographic criteria.

METHODS

From 1984 to 2016, 648 patients (mean age 68.8 years; 53.9% female) underwent mitral valve replacement using the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT pericardial bioprosthesis. Multiple valve replacements were excluded. Clinical, operative, and follow-up data were prospectively recorded. The mean follow-up was 7.8 ± 5.4 years, for a total of 5043 valve-years. The follow-up data were 98.3% complete (11 patients lost). Structural valve deterioration was determined by strict echocardiographic assessment based on Heart Valve Collaboratory criteria.

RESULTS

Operative mortality was 4%. A total of 322 late deaths occurred, for a linearized rate of 6.4%/valve-year. The actuarial survival rate at 15 years was 31.4 ± 2.6%. Age at implantation, male sex, and preoperative New York Heart Association class III or IV were significant risk factors affecting late survival. Actuarial freedoms from complications at 15 years were thromboembolism, 92.5 ± 1.9%; major bleeding, 93.8 ± 1.7%; endocarditis, 93.2 ± 1.3%; and explantation due to structural valve deterioration, 69.3 ± 3.5%. The median survival time for explantation due to structural valve deterioration was 21.7 years for the entire cohort (16.1 years for patients <65 years old). Based on echocardiographic data, actuarial freedom from severe and moderate/severe structural valve deterioration at 15 years were 64.0 ± 3.6% and 52.1 ± 3.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

With low 15-year rates of valve-related events and structural valve deterioration based on Heart Valve Collaboratory echocardiographic criteria, the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT pericardial bioprosthesis remains a reliable choice for a mitral tissue valve.

Safety, Effectiveness, and Hemodynamic Performance of the Bovine Pericardium Organic Valvular Bioprosthesis

OBJECTIVE

To assess actual data on the safety, effectiveness, and hemodynamic performance of Bovine Pericardium Organic Valvular Bioprosthesis (BVP).

METHODS

The BIOPRO Trial is an observational, retrospective, non-comparative, non-randomized, and multicenter study. We collected data from 903 patients with symptomatic, moderate, or severe valve disease who underwent BVP implants in the timeframe from 2013 to 2020 at three Brazilian institutions. Death, valve-related adverse events (AEs), functional recovery, and hemodynamic performance were evaluated at the hospital, at discharge, and six months and one year later. Primary analysis compared late (> 30 days after implant) linearized rates of valve-related AEs, such as thromboembolism, valve thrombosis, major hemorrhage, major paravalvular leak, and endocarditis, following objective performance criteria (OPC). Analysis was performed to include at least 400 valve-years for each valve position (aortic and mitral) for complete comparisons to OPC. Kaplan-Meier survival and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

This retrospective study analyzed follow-up data collected from 903 patients (834.2 late patient-years) who have undergone surgery for 455 isolated aortic valve replacement (50.4%), 382 isolated mitral valve replacement (42.3%), and 66 combined valve replacement or other intervention (7.3%). The linearized rates of valve-related AEs were < 2 × OPC. One-year survival rates were 95.1% and 92.7% for aortic and mitral valve replacement, respectively. This study demonstrated an improvement in the New York Heart Association classification from baseline and hemodynamic performance within an expected range.

CONCLUSION

According to this analysis, BVP meets world standards for safety and clinical efficacy.

Prosthetic cardiac valves: history and review of cardiac prostheses clinically available in Japan

Recently developed prosthetic valves are reliable and essential for the treatment of valvular heart disease. The mechanical valve evolved remarkably following the introduction of pyrolite carbon material, which enabled the creation of a bileaflet form incorporated with a pivot mechanism. The improved durability of the biological valve is attributed mainly to the development of a tissue fixation process and anti-calcification treatments. However, optimal antithrombogenicity and durability have not yet been achieved for either prosthetic valve type. To select the most suitable prosthetic valve for each individual patient from among the many clinically available prosthetic valves, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the characteristics of each valve.

Surgical pericardial heart valves: 50 Years of evolution

Valve disease carries a huge burden globally and the number of heart valve procedures are projected to increase from the current 300 000 to 800 000 annually by 2050. Since its genesis 50 years ago, pericardial heart valve has moved leaps and bounds to ever more ingenious designs and manufacturing methods with parallel developments in cardiology and cardiovascular surgical treatments. This feat has only been possible through close collaboration of many scientific disciplines in the fields of engineering, material sciences, basic tissue biology, medicine and surgery. As the pace of change continues to accelerate, we ask the readers to go back with us in time to understand developments in design and function of pericardial heart valves. This descriptive review seeks to focus on the qualities of pericardial heart valves, the advantages, successes and failures encapsulating the evolution of surgically implanted pericardial heart valves over the past five decades. We present the data on comparison of the pericardial heart valves to porcine valves, discuss structural valve deterioration and the future of heart valve treatments.

Comparative analysis of structural valve deterioration and long-term clinical outcomes after bovine pericardial versus porcine bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement

Background

This study aimed to compare long-term outcomes, including durability, after bovine pericardial valve replacement with those after porcine mitral valve replacement (MVR).

Methods

We enrolled 309 patients who underwent MV replacement (mean age: 65.8±11.5 years; 68.9% females) with Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT bovine pericardial valves (bovine MVR group, n=241) or Hancock II porcine bioprosthesis (porcine MVR group, n=68). The mean clinical and echocardiographic follow-up durations were 81.4±60.0 and 57.8±53.3 months, respectively. Structural valve deterioration (SVD) was defined as prosthetic mitral valve (MV) regurgitation or stenosis of greater than moderate degree combined with a motion limitation, tear, or perforation of prosthetic valve leaflet on follow-up echocardiography. Propensity score (PS)-adjusted multivariable analyses were performed.

Results

Thirty-day mortality rate was 6.4% (20/309 patients). SVD occurred in 50 patients (33 and 17 patients in the bovine and porcine MV replacement groups, respectively). Cumulative incidences of SVD at 5, 10, and 15 years were 3.2%, 15.9%, and 32.4%, respectively, in the bovine MVR group and 1.9%, 15.3%, and 41.7%, respectively, in the porcine MVR group. Cumulative incidences of SVD in the two groups were not different in competing risk analysis (P=0.23). Other clinical outcomes including overall survival and cumulative incidences of cardiac death and MV-related events were not statistically significantly different between the groups in PS-adjusted multivariable analyses.

Conclusions

Long-term clinical outcomes including SVD were not different between the bovine and porcine bioprosthesis MVR groups during average 7 years of clinical follow-up after MVR.

S. Redo Aortic and Mitral Valve Replacement using St. Jude Medical Mechanical Prosthesis in a Patient with Degenerated Mitral Bioprosthesis and Severe Aortic Regurgitation: A Video Presentation

The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association practice guidelines suggest bioprosthetic aortic and mitral valve replacement is a reasonable option for patients older than 65 years and for selected patients younger than 65 years according to patients’ preference. However, routine use of bioprosthetic valves in younger patients remains controversial. Patients prevalence to avoid anticoagulation, decreasing operative risks for valve reoperations, and the availability of catheter valve-in-valve techniques have created a need to reexamine bioprosthetic valve durability, particularly in young patients undergoing valve replacements

Mortality and Reoperation Risk After Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement in Young Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

Bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (bAVR) in patients with congenital heart disease is challenging due to age, size and complexity. Our objective was to assess survival and identify predictors of re-operation. Data were retrospectively collected for 314 patients undergoing bAVR at 8 centers from 2000-2014. Kaplan-Meier estimation of time to re-operation and Cox regression were utilized. Average age was 45.2 years (IQR 17.8-71.1) and 30% were <21. Indications were stenosis (48%), regurgitation (28%) and mixed (18%). Twenty-eight (9%) underwent prior AVR. Median valve size was 23mm (IQR 21, 25). Implanted valves included CE (Carpentier-Edwards) Perimount (47%), CE Magna/Magna Ease (29%), Sorin Mitroflow (9%), St Jude (2%) and other (13%). Median follow-up was 2.9 (IQR 1.2, 5.7) years. Overall, 11% required re-operation, 35% of whom had a Mitroflow and 65% were <21 years old. Time to re-operation varied among valve type (p=0.020). Crude 3-year rate was 20% in patients ≤21. Smaller valve size indexed to BSA was associated with re-operation (21.7 vs. 23.5 mm/m²). Predictors of reintervention by multivariable analysis were younger age (29% increase in hazard per 5-year decrease, p<0.001), Mitroflow (HR=4 to 8 versus other valves), and smaller valve size (20% increase in hazard per 1 mm decrease, p=0.002). The overall 1, 3 and 5-year survival rates were 94%, 90% and 85% without differences by valve (p=0.19). A concerning reduction in 5-year survival after bAVR is shown. Re-operation is common and varies by age and valve type. Further research is needed to guide valve choice and improve survival.

Evaluation of postoperative outcomes of valve reoperation: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of operative death and postoperative complications between primary and reoperation valve surgeries and to identify independent risk factors for these events among valve-reoperation patients.

METHODS

Between 2013 and 2015, 54 269 patients who underwent valve surgery were retrospectively analyzed using the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database. They were divided into the primary (group P; n = 49 833) and reoperation (group R; n = 4436) surgery groups. Among the reoperation patients, we conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify risk factors for the incidences of operative mortality and postoperative complications. Then, we also conducted propensity score matched analyses to compare the incidences of these 2 outcomes for primary versus reoperation procedures separately for patients with and without infective endocarditis (IE).

RESULTS

Incidences of postoperative mortality (4.6% vs 9.1%; P < 0.001) and any complications (36.6% vs 41.4%; P < 0.001) were higher in the reoperation group. For patients undergoing reoperation, strong risk factors for operative mortality included urgency status, ejection fraction <30%, IE, dialysis, chronic kidney disease, New York Heart Association class 3/4, concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and aorta procedure, tricuspid valve surgery only, multivalve surgery and age. In the propensity score matched cohort, the relative odds of operative mortality were 1.53 (95% confidence interval: 1.26-1.86, P < 0.001) among patients with IE and were 1.58 (95% confidence interval: 1.18-2.13, P < 0.002) among those without.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes for reoperation were significantly worse than those for primary surgery. At the primary operation, the risk of reoperation should be considered and when considering the indications for reoperation, the preoperative state, surgical timing and intervention method should be considered.

The Influence of Sex on Clinical Outcomes after Surgical Mitral Valve Replacement in Spain (2001-2015)

(1) Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second most prevalent valvular heart disease in developed countries. Mitral valve (MV) disease is a common cause of heart failure and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S.A. and Europe. (2) Methods: We performed a retrospective study using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database, 2001–2015. We included patients that had surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR) listed as a procedure in their discharge report. We sought to (i) examine trends in incidence of SMVR among women and men in Spain, (ii) compare in-hospital outcomes for mechanical and bioprosthetic SMVR by sex, and (iii) identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM) after SMVR. (3) Results: We identified 44,340 hospitalizations for SMVR (84% mechanical, 16% bioprosthetic). The incidence of SMVR was higher in women (IRR 1.51; 95% CI 1.48–1.54). The use of mechanical SMVR decreased over time in both sexes and the use of bioprosthetic valves increased over time in both sexes. Men who underwent mechanical and bioprosthetic SMVR had higher comorbidity than women. IHM was significantly lower in women who underwent SMVR than in men (10% vs. 12% p < 0.001 for mechanical and 14% vs. 16% p = 0.025 for bioprosthetic valve, respectively). Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were also significantly lower in women who underwent mechanical and bioprosthetic SMVR. A significant reduction in both in-hospital MACCEs and IHM was observed over the study period regardless of sex. After multivariable logistic regression, male sex was associated with increased IHM only in bioprosthetic SMVR (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.1–1.5). (4) Conclusions: This nationwide analysis over 15 years of sex-specific outcomes after SMVR showed that incidences are significantly higher in women than men for mechanical and bioprosthetic SMVR. IHM and MACCE have improved over time for SMVR in both sexes. Male sex was independently associated with higher mortality after bioprosthetic SMVR.

Comparison of Antithrombotic Strategies in Chinese Patients in Sinus Rhythm after Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve Replacement: Early Outcomes from a Multicenter Registry in China

OBJECTIVES

To compare antithrombotic strategies in Chinese patients undergoing bioprosthetic mitral valve implantation discharged in normal sinus rhythm.

METHODS

At 28 hospitals in China, 1603 patients were followed for 2991.5 person-years. Adverse event and death rates during five postoperative time intervals (≤ 30, 31-90, 91-180, 181-365, and 366-730 days) were calculated in patients administered warfarin, aspirin, warfarin + aspirin, or neither treatment.

RESULTS

Thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events occurred in 22 (0.74/100 patient-years, 95%CI 0.43-1.05) and 28 (0.94/100 patient-years, 95%CI 0.59-1.29) patients, respectively. In the first 3 months post-surgery, warfarin-treated patients had significantly lower rates of thromboembolic events than the aspirin or untreated groups (P = 0.01, P<0.01), and a significantly lower risk of bleeding than the aspirin + warfarin group (P = 0.02). From 91 to 180 days post-surgery, thromboembolism risk was significantly lower in warfarin-treated patients relative to the aspirin-treated and untreated patients (P = 0.04, P = 0.04), but bleeding and overall adverse event rates were similar (P = 1.00). From 181 to 365 days, thromboembolic event rates did not differ significantly between the untreated and anticoagulant-treated groups (P = 1.00).

CONCLUSION

Warfarin is the most effective intervention for preventing thromboembolism within 6 months post-bioprosthetic MVR surgery in Chinese patients in sinus rhythm. After 6 months, further warfarin therapy was unnecessary, and aspirin should not be routinely administered.

Durability of Mitral Valve Bioprostheses: A Meta-Analysis of Long-Term Follow-up Studies

BACKGROUND

Porcine and pericardial valves exhibited similar freedom from structural valve deterioration after aortic valve replacement. Limited data exist regarding their durability at long-term follow-up in the mitral position.

METHODS

A literature search was performed through online databases. Papers reporting freedom from tissue valve deterioration after mitral valve replacement with a follow-up longer than 5 years were retrieved. Four porcine valves (Carpentier-Edwards [Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA] and Hancock, Hancock II, and Mosaic [Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN]) and 1 pericardial prosthesis (Carpentier-Edwards) were the objects of the study. The structural valve deterioration (SVD) rate per year was calculated for each type of prosthesis. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test analysis were performed to compare the long-term durability of porcine and pericardial valves.

RESULTS

Forty full-text papers including more than 15,000 patients were considered for the meta-analysis. Porcine valves were generally implanted in younger patients in the first period after their introduction. The mean age of the patients receiving a mitral bioprosthesis increased from 50 to 70 years over the decades. In patients operated after 1980 who had similar mean age at the time of implant, freedom from SVD was higher in the group of porcine valves with Mosaic prosthesis, showing the lowest rate of SVD. Long-term survival was higher for Mosaic porcine and Carpentier pericardial valves.

CONCLUSIONS

In surgical populations that underwent mitral valve replacement after 1980 with new generation tissue valves and similar mean age at the implant time, we found, at long-term follow-up, a higher freedom from SVD in the group of porcine prostheses.

The Biocompatibility Challenges in the Total Artificial Heart Evolution

There are limited therapeutic options for final treatment of end-stage heart failure. Among them, implantation of a total artificial heart (TAH) is an acceptable strategy when suitable donors are not available. TAH development began in the 1930s, followed by a dramatic evolution of the actuation mechanisms operating the mechanical pumps. Nevertheless, the performance of TAHs has not yet been optimized, mainly because of the low biocompatibility of the blood-contacting surfaces. Low hemocompatibility, calcification, and sensitivity to infections seriously affect the success of TAHs. These unsolved issues have led to the withdrawal of many prototypes during preclinical phases of testing. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the pathophysiological events that may occur in the materials that compose TAHs developed to date. In addition, this review illustrates bioengineering strategies to prevent these events and describes the most significant steps toward the achievement of a fully biocompatible TAH.

Mitral valve repair versus replacement with preservation of the entire subvalvular apparatus

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of mitral valve (MV) repair versus MV replacement with preservation of the entire subvalvular apparatus.

METHODS

We retrospectively searched our dedicated in-hospital database for patients who underwent MV surgery between 2012 and 2017.

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients were divided into a group that underwent MV replacement (n = 35) and a group that underwent MV repair (n = 47). Patients undergoing MV replacement were significantly older (p < 0.01). Mortality at 30 days was not significantly different [MV replacement: n = 1 (2.9%), MV repair: n = 0 (0%); p = 0.43]. The single case of 30-day mortality after MV replacement was due to acute aortic dissection. The total cohort did not show significant differences in long-term survival (p = 0.07). There were no cardiac-related deaths in this cohort. Postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (MV replacement: 45.4 ± 6.2 mm, MV repair: 45.6 ± 5.8 mm; p = 0.89), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (MV replacement: 29.6 ± 7.1 mm, MV repair: 29.4 ± 5.2 mm; p = 0.89), and ejection fraction (MV replacement: 59.2 ± 11.4%, MV repair: 62.0 ± 6.8%; p = 0.17) were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that MV replacement had operative mortality, long-term survival, and complication rates similar to those of MV repair. There were no cardiac-related deaths in this cohort. MV replacement with preservation of the entire subvalvular apparatus does not seem to be inferior to MV repair.

Sudden bioprostethic mitral valve dysfunction years after implantation: 3 cases and review of the literature

Mitral valve replacement is a common procedure. Degeneration of the valve is a complication that usually develops progressively. We discuss three cases of patients who underwent mitral valve replacement by means of a porcine bioprosthesis and who developed sudden and severe mitral regurgitation years after implantation.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Pericardial Bioprosthesis in Chinese Patients with Single or Multiple Valve Replacement in Aortic, Mitral, or Tricuspid Positions

OBJECTIVES

To report the safety and efficacy results of a 9- to 15-year follow-up investigation among patients who had received Carpentier-Edwards Perimount (CE-P) bovine pericardial bioprostheses (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) for valve replacement.

METHODS

This retrospective study investigated freedom from structural valve deterioration (SVD) as well as survival and reoperation among different age and etiology groups in patients who were implanted with a CE-P bioprosthesis at Guangdong General Hospital between 2001 and 2007. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were performed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients (N = 225) was only 61.2 ± 11.5 years at valve replacement. More than half of the patients (55.1%) had rheumatic heart disease. The survival rates were 86.46, 81.58, and 74.42% at 5 years, 64.39, 66.19, and 55.85% at 10 years, and 48.37, 57.33, and 46.54% at 15 years for the groups with mitral valve replacement (MVR), aortic valve replacement (AVR), and double valve replacement (DVR), respectively. The median time to freedom from SVD was 12.5, 13.2, and 11.2 years, respectively, for patients with MVR, AVR, and DVR. A higher age at valve replacement was a significant risk factor for SVD in all patients (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Good long-term clinical results of CE-P valves have been demonstrated in Chinese patients >60 years.

The long-term results and changing patterns of biological valves at the mitral position in contemporary practice in Japan

Mitral valve surgery has changed with the wide acceptance of mitral valve repair. The aim of this study is to obtain the long-term results of patients who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) using a biological prosthesis in contemporary practice in Japan. From January 1990 to December 2013, 76 patients underwent MVR using a biological prosthesis with or without concomitant surgery. Data were obtained by means of a questionnaire and a telephone interview. The mean follow-up period was 4.26 years. The etiologies of the patients included dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (n=20 [26.3%]), ischemic mitral regurgitation (n=7 [9.2%]). There is a trend towards decreasing number of rheumatic and degenerative disease and increasing number of DCM and ischemic mitral regurgitation. Three patients (3.9%) died in the perioperative period. The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 69.6% and 31.7%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year freedom from valve related death were 95.6% and 80.6 %, respectively. The linearized rates of valve-related complications were as follows: thromboembolism (0.63%/patient/year), bleeding (1.25%/patient/year). One patient underwent reoperation for structural degeneration 13 years after the first operation. The present study shows the long-term results of mitral valve replacement with bioproshtesis in a contemporary case series. The practice pattern is changing. The low rate of valve-related complication justify the current patient selection.

The Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna mitral valve bioprosthesis: intermediate-term efficacy and durability

Background

The Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna mitral valve bioprosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA) is a low-profile version of the earlier Perimount valve that uses the ThermaFix process for enhanced calcium removal. The Magna valve has been in use since 2008, yet no publication, until now, has verified its intermediate-term safety and efficacy.

Methods

From 2008 through 2011 (our 4-year study period), 70 Magna valves were implanted in the mitral position at a single institution (the Cleveland Clinic). Echocardiograms were prospectively interpreted. For this study, we reviewed patients’ charts; endpoints included hemodynamic measurements, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, valve-related events, resource utilization, and 5-year survival rates.

Results

The mean patient age was 68 years; 43 % of the patients had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV disease, and 51.4 % had moderately severe, or worse, mitral regurgitation (MR). For 43 % of the patients, the Magna valve implantation was a reoperation. For 83 %, the Magna valve implantation also included a concomitant cardiac procedure. The median survival rate was 4.7 years and 90 % of patients were free from significant structural valve degeneration at 5 years. Preoperative atrial fibrillation, ischemic MR, intraaortic balloon pump placement, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and renal failure were associated with increased mortality. Right ventricular systolic pressure decreased from 50 mmHg preoperatively to 40 mmHg postoperatively, according to our matched-pair analysis (P = 0.003). Per their final echocardiogram during our study period, 98 % of surviving patients had trivial or no MR, one patient had mild MR, and one patient had severe MR.

Conclusions

Our 5-year experience indicates that the Magna valve offers excellent intermediate-term durability and substantial echocardiographic improvement; its low-profile design make it ideal for reoperations and for concomitant cardiac procedures, including valve replacement.

EFFICACY OF CARPENTIER-EDWARDS PERICARDIAL PROSTHESES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Objectives: The Carpentier-Edwards pericardial (CEP) prostheses are the type of bioprostheses most used worldwide. Although they were designed to minimize the rate of valve deterioration and reoperation, their clinical superiority over other prostheses models still lacks confirmation. The objective of this study was to evaluate its effectiveness.

Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Lilacs databases. Operative mortality, overall mortality and reoperation rates after heart valve surgery were compared between the use of CEP and other cardiac prostheses. Two independent reviewers screened studies for inclusion and extracted the data. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. The GRADE criterion was used to assess the evidence quality.

Results: A total of twenty-eight studies were selected, including 19,615 individuals. The studies presented a high heterogeneity and low quality of evidence what limited the reliability of the results. The pooled data from the selected studies did not demonstrate significant differences between CEP and porcine, pericardial or stentless prostheses regarding operative mortality, overall mortality and reoperation rates. However, the pooled data from 3 observational trials pointed out a higher risk for reoperation after valve replacement using CEP prostheses against mechanical prostheses (OR 4.92 [95 percent confidence interval 2.43–9.96]).

Conclusions: The current data present in the literature still does not support a clinical advantage for the use of CEP prostheses over other bioprostheses. The quality of the studies in the literature is limited and further studies are needed to address if CEP prostheses will have a clinical advantage over other prostheses.

Long-term durability of bioprosthetic aortic valves: implications from 12,569 implants

BACKGROUND

Increased life expectancy and younger patients' desire to avoid lifelong anticoagulation requires a better understanding of bioprosthetic valve failure. This study evaluates risk factors associated with explantation for structural valve deterioration (SVD) in a long-term series of Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT aortic valves (AV).

METHODS

From June 1982 to January 2011, 12,569 patients underwent AV replacement with Edwards Lifesciences Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT stented bovine pericardial prostheses, models 2700PM (n = 310) or 2700 (n = 12,259). Mean age was 71 ± 11 years (range, 18 to 98 years). 93% had native AV disease, 48% underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting, and 26% had additional valve surgery. There were 81,706 patient-years of systematic follow-up data available for analysis. Demographics, intraoperative variables, and 27,386 echocardiographic records were used to identify risks for explant for SVD and assess longitudinal changes in transprosthesis gradients using time-varying covariable analyses.

RESULTS

Three hundred fifty-four explants were performed, with 41% related to endocarditis and 44% to SVD. Actuarial estimates of explant for SVD at 10 and 20 years were 1.9% and 15% overall, respectively, and in patients younger than 60 years, 5.6% and 46%, respectively. Younger age (p < 0.0001), lipid-lowering drugs (p = 0.002), prosthesis-patient mismatch (p = 0.001), and higher postoperative peak and mean AV gradients were associated with explant for SVD (p < 0.0001). The effect of gradient on SVD was greatest in patients younger than 60 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Durability of the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT aortic valve is excellent even in younger patients. Explant for SVD is related to gradient at implantation, especially in younger patients. Strategies to reduce early postoperative AV gradients, such as root enlargement or more efficient prostheses, should be considered.

Bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction due to native valve preserving procedure

Mitral valve replacement with preservation of the mitral leaflets and subvalvular apparatus is considered to maintain left ventricular geometry and function and reduce the risk of myocardial rupture. However, the routine use of this technique may lead to early complications such as left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and even mitral inflow obstruction, requiring reoperation. We describe a rare case of bioprosthetic mitral valve dysfunction caused by a native valve preserving procedure.

Pulmonary Valve Replacement With a Bovine Pericardial Valve

Objectives:

From a population of 90 patients after pulmonary valve replacement with a biological valve (Carpentier-Edwards Perimount valve), 56 of 80 available patients were examined five years after surgery.

Background:

Pulmonary valve replacement is needed in many patients with congenital heart disease. Homografts have limited availability and predictable degeneration, and mechanical valves require anticoagulation. No superiority of one kind of pulmonary valve replacement has been shown. Biological valves that are readily available are being used and evaluated in increasing numbers.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, five years following surgery, data were gathered from hospital charts, echocardiography, stress echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and exercise testing.

Results:

In 90 patients, there were three new valve replacements, one early cardiac death, and four late noncardiac deaths. Echocardiographic assessment of the study group showed pulmonary Doppler velocities (m/s) before, after operation, and at five-year follow-up of 2.8 ± 1.1, 1.6 ± 0.4, and 2.3 ± 0.7, respectively. The assessed insufficiencies (0-3) at the same times were 2.3 ± 1.0, 0.3 ± 0.4, and 1.1 ± 0.8. Maximal oxygen uptake increased from 65.6% ± 10.1% to 77.1% ± 18.2% of predicted and QRS width increased by 7 ± 23ms. Valve degeneration could be associated with young age but not with diagnosis or valve size.

Conclusion:

In our study, the biological valve in the pulmonary position showed excellent mid-term results with few reoperations, low gradients, and mild to moderate insufficiency. Oversizing, in contrast to young age, was not a risk factor for valve degeneration. In younger patients, this allows later percutaneous replacement, reducing the need for further surgery. However, longer follow-up is needed.

Emerging trends in heart valve engineering: Part III. Novel technologies for mitral valve repair and replacement

In this portion of an extensive review of heart valve engineering, we focus on the current and emerging technologies and techniques to repair or replace the mitral valve. We begin with a discussion of the currently available mechanical and bioprosthetic mitral valves followed by the rationale and limitations of current surgical mitral annuloplasty methods; a discussion of the technique of neo-chordae fabrication and implantation; a review the procedures and clinical results for catheter-based mitral leaflet repair; a highlight of the motivation for and limitations of catheter-based annular reduction therapies; and introduce the early generation devices for catheter-based mitral valve replacement.

Early pericardial valve deterioration as a result of adhesions with native mitral valve

We report an unusual case of early pericardial tissue valve prosthesis deterioration that required replacement. Four years after mitral valve replacement, 1 of the 3 leaflets of the valve was thickened and retracted in a fixed open position, which resulted in severe mitral insufficiency. The cause of this was adhesion of the leaflet and the patient's own retained posterior mitral valve leaflet. The finding was confirmed at operation and by histologic examination.

Early bioprosthetic mitral valve failure due to fusion of the cusps

Modern extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support has revolutionized the survival outcome of critically ill patients with refractory cardiac failure. Mitral valve replacement in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation poses a surgical challenge regarding the choice of appropriate prosthesis. We present two cases of mitral valve bioprosthetic failure within days to weeks after valve replacement. Both patients were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation postoperatively, and the bioprosthetic failure was caused by fusion of the cusps. This mechanism of mitral valve bioprosthetic failure in combination with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment has not previously been described.

Missing leaflet: a rare cause of structural deterioration of a bovine pericardial aortic bioprosthesis-report of a case

We experienced a rare cause of aortic bioprosthesis deterioration in which one of the leaflets disappeared 8.7 years after primary aortic valve replacement (AVR) in a male octogenarian. Successful redo AVR with a 23-mm Magna EASE (Carpentier-Edwards, Irvine, CA) was performed. No embolic complications occurred. We were unable to identify the cause of this devastating complication. When heart failure symptoms develop in patients with bioprostheses, clinicians should therefore consider a diagnosis of acute progression of structural valve deterioration and follow the patient carefully with echocardiography.

Structural valve deterioration of porcine bioprosthesis soon after mitral valve repair and replacement

An 81-year-old woman, who had undergone mitral valve replacement (MVR) with a porcine bioprosthesis after mitral valve repair, presented with hemolysis 4 years and 6 months after MVR. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed trivial mitral regurgitation, which was diagnosed based on the observed perivalvular leakage. Hemolysis gradually increased, and she developed dyspnea and edema 2 years after the appearance of mitral regurgitation. We performed a reoperation. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) after intubation showed no perivalvular leakage of the mitral prosthesis, but transvalvular leakage through a leaflet perforation was present. The leaflets of the bioprosthesis had slit-shaped perforations at their hinges. There was no sign of infection on the leaflet or annulus. We implanted a new bioprosthesis after removal of the deteriorated valve. The postoperative course was uneventful. Microscopic examination verified collagen degeneration, histiocyte infiltration, and hyalinization. It is important to perform TEE to rule out structural valve deterioration (SVD) even when regurgitation occurs soon after valve replacement.

In vitro haemocompatibility of a novel bioprosthetic total artificial heart

OBJECTIVES

The CARMAT total artificial heart (TAH) is an implantable, electro-hydraulically driven, pulsatile flow device with four bioprosthetic valves. Its blood-pumping surfaces consist of processed bioprosthetic pericardial tissue and expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE), potentially allowing for the reduction of anti-coagulation. This pre-clinical study assessed the in vitro haemocompatibility of these surfaces.

METHODS

Coupons of pericardial tissue and ePTFE were placed in closed tubular circuits filled with 12.5 ml of fresh human blood exposed to the pulsatile flow at 120 ml/min for 4 h (37°C). Silicone- and heparin-coated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Fresh blood from six donors was used to fill four sets of 12 circuits. Blood samples were taken at baseline and from each circuit after 4 h. Coupons of materials were examined with scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The platelet count was 202 ± 45 10(9) l(-1) at baseline. Four hours after circulation, the platelet counts were 161 ± 30 10(9) l(-1) (compared with baseline, P = 0.0207) for pericardial tissue, 162 ± 35 10(9) l(-1) (P = 0.0305) for ePTFE and 136 ± 42 10(9) l(-1) for positive controls (P = 0.0021). Baseline plasma fibrinogen was 2.9 ± 0.5 mg/dl compared with 3.0 ± 0.5 mg/dl for pericardial tissue and 3.1 ± 0.7 mg/dl for ePTFE, indicating no marked fibrinogen consumption. Thromboxane B2 levels for positive controls were 33.3 ± 8.7 ng/ml compared with 16.2 ± 11.5 ng/ml for pericardial tissue (P = 0.0015) and 15.2 ± 4.7 ng/ml for ePTFE (P < 0.0001). Platelet adhesion was 2.87 ± 1.01 10(9) cm(-2) for positive controls compared with 1.06 ± 0.73 10(9) cm(-2) for pericardial tissue (P < 0.0001) and 0.79 ± 0.75 10(9) cm(-2) for ePTFE (P < 0.0001). Thrombin-antithrombin III complex levels were 3.8 ± 0.5 μg/ml for positive controls compared with 1.9 ± 0.9 for pericardial tissue (P < 0.0001) and 2.1 ± 1.0 for ePTFE (P < 0.0001). With an electro-microscopic examination at ×600, only small depositions of platelets, erythrocytes and fibrin were noticed on the pericardial tissue samples and ePTFE samples. Silicone surfaces showed marked areas of thrombi, and PVC tubings a thin protein layer.

CONCLUSIONS

Haemocompatibility of the TAH blood-contacting surfaces was confirmed by in vitro studies showing a limited consumption of fibrin, limited thromboxane B2 release and platelet adhesion, and minor blood cell depositions on the surfaces. These results will be validated in clinical studies, with the aim of reducing anti-coagulation when using the CARMAT TAH.

Structural valve deterioration of a mitral Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis in an 87-year-old woman 16 years after its implantation

The second-generation pericardial valve, the Carpentier-Edwards perimount bioprosthetic (CEP) valve, shows dramatically improved durability as compared to the first-generation pericardial valve, and excellent performance has been obtained, in both the aortic and mitral positions. Especially in elderly patients with an implanted CEP valve, reoperation due to structural valve deterioration (SVD) is rarely required. Here, we report the case of an 87-year-old woman with an explanted CEP valve in the mitral position due to SVD, 16 years after its implantation.

A 25-year experience with Carpentier-Edwards Perimount in the mitral position

Data of 401 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement with the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount bioprosthesis between 1984 and 2009 were evaluated. Their mean age was 68.1 ± 10.4 years (range, 22-90 years) and 54.9% were female. The most common etiology was degenerative disease (33.2%) and 62.1% of patients had mitral insufficiency. Follow-up was 3,178 patient-years, and 96.8% complete; the mean follow-up was 8.9 ± 3.1 years. Overall survival at 25 years was 10.2% ± 3%. Late mortality was 2.48% per patient-year, and valve-related deaths occurred at 1.62% per patient-year. The actuarial freedom from reoperation due to structural valve deterioration at 20 years was 24.3% ± 2% for degenerative disease and 15% ± 1.4% for non-degenerative disease. For degenerative valve disease, the freedom from structural valve deterioration at 18-years was 39% ± 1% for recipients <60-years old and 66% ± 2% for those ≥60-years old. Our data confirm the excellent durability and low mortality associated with the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount for mitral valve replacement. The rate of calcification of the valve was unrelated to degenerative valve disease, but our findings suggest that this prosthesis gives better results in recipients ≥60-years old than in younger patients.

A case of Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis in mitral position explanted 22 years after implantation

A case of Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT (CEP) mitral pericardial bioprosthesis explanted 22 years after the valve replacement is reported. This patient underwent the previous replacement at the age of 50. The extracted bioprosthesis showed three rigid leaflets, one of which had a tear causing severe mitral regurgitation. The X-ray demonstrated calcification of varied extent among these leaflets, ranging from none to severe. When leaflet calcification is suppressed, perhaps the lifespan of a CEP valve can be prolonged more than previously expected. When a literature search was conducted, this case was found to represent the longest reported interval from the implantation of a CEP valve in the mitral position to the explantation as a result of severe mitral regurgitation caused by structural valve deterioration (SVD).

Premeditated reoperation after mitral valve replacement with a Starr-Edwards ball valve for young women who desire to bear a child: report of two cases

There are many difficulties for young women with a Starr-Edwards ball valve who want to attempt pregnancy. There is no consensus regarding whether they should maintain anticoagulation therapy throughout pregnancy with the risk of a thromboembolism or to undergo a reoperation with bioprosthetic heart valves, followed by a third operation when the valve deteriorates. This report presents two cases of young women who underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) with Starr-Edwards ball valves (model 6120: 1M) during their childhood. Although they did not have any cardiac symptoms, transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac catheterization data demonstrated that both the patients had asymptomatic mild relative mitral stenosis. They both wished to bear a child. After the patients and their family provided thorough informed consent, redo MVRs were preformed safely with biological prostheses. The presence of significant pannus formation along the strut and sewing ring of the excised valves could also have a positive impact on the decision to undergo reoperation.

Minimally invasive off-pump valve-in-a-ring implantation: the atrial transcatheter approach for re-operative mitral valve replacement after failed repair

OBJECTIVE

Based upon recent developments in transcatheter technology, this study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and haemodynamic performance of transcatheter valve-in-a-ring (VinR) implantation for potentially failed mitral repair using a minimally invasive, transatrial, off-pump approach.

METHODS

Adult sheep (54.3+/-3.0 kg) underwent mitral valve repair with a 26 mm complete annuloplasty ring (Physio) using standard conventional techniques. To simulate the redo operation, a transcatheter 23 mm pericardial prosthesis (Edwards Sapien) mounted on a balloon-inflatable steel stent was deployed within the annuloplasty ring. VinR implantation was performed off-pump under rapid pacing in four and on-pump in three animals using an antegrade transatrial approach under fluoroscopic guidance.

RESULTS

Transcatheter VinR implantation was successful in all seven sheep. Mean transvalvular gradient was 4.9+/-0.3 mmHg. VinR function was excellent with no leak in one, good with mild leak in five (trans-stent: four, paravalvular: one) and sufficient with moderate central leak in one animal, respectively. Valve deployment required 10.0+/-0.7 min and all transcatheter prostheses were confirmed in good position on postmortem analysis, without any signs of valve dislocation or embolisation. In an in-vitro model, the minimum force required to dislodge the valve was 32.9+/-5.2N, which was well above the normal estimated forces generated by the left ventricle. One animal was kept alive to assess mid-term outcome and is still well 12 months after the VinR implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Transatrial, transcatheter mitral VinR implantation is feasible using a minimally invasive off-pump approach. VinR implantation is a promising concept for re-operative surgery for selected patients after failed mitral valve repair.