One-year clinical outcomes following Edwards INSPIRIS RESILIA aortic valve implantation in 487 young patients with severe aortic stenosis: a single-center experience

Introduction

The use of an aortic bioprosthesis is on the rise in younger patients with severe aortic stenosis despite the risk of accelerated structural valve degeneration (SVD). In the search for an optimal valve substitute that would not be prone to SVD, the INSPIRIS bioprosthesis represents a promising solution to lowering the risk of SVD. Here, we report the 1-year outcomes of the INSPIRIS RESILIA aortic bioprosthesis in a population of young patients who underwent aortic valve replacement.

Methods

In this prospective single-center study, we included all consecutive patients receiving INSPIRIS RESILIA bioprosthesis between June 2017 and July 2021. Patients with isolated severe aortic regurgitation were excluded. Clinical assessment and transthoracic echocardiography were performed preoperatively and at 1 year post-operatively. The primary outcome was overall mortality at one year.

Results

A total of 487 patients were included. The mean age was 58.2 ± 11.5 years, 75.2% were men. Most of the interventions were elective, with a mean EuroSCORE II of 4.8 ± 7.9. The valve annulus size in most cases was either 23 mm or 25 mm. Overall mortality at 1-year was 4.1%. At 1-year, 7 patients (1.4%) had a stroke, 4 patients (0.8%) had a myocardial infarction, and 20 patients (4.1%) were hospitalized for congestive heart failure. The Kaplan-Meier estimated survival rates and survival without major adverse cardiac events at 1-year were 96.4% and 96.7%, respectively. At 1-year follow-up, 10 patients (2.1%) had endocarditis and 1 patient (0.2%) had partial prosthetic thrombosis. Pacemaker implantation at 1-year post-operative was necessary in 27 patients (5.5%). Severe patient prosthesis mismatch and severe intra valvular regurgitation were 1.2% and 0.6%, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier estimated survival rates at 1-year of no infective endocarditis preoperative and infective endocarditis preoperative were 97.9 ± 0.7% and 89.5 ± 3.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). Excluding endocarditis-related complication, no structural valve deterioration and no valve failure requiring redo surgery were reported.

Conclusion

This is the largest single-center descriptive study of the 1-year outcomes after INSPIRIS RESILIA bioprosthesis implantation. The EDWARDS INSPIRIS RESILIA bioprosthesis provides encouraging clinical outcomes with an excellent 1- year survival rates and good hemodynamic performance. Long-term studies are mandatory to assess valve durability.

Aortic Valve Reconstruction With Autologous Pericardium Versus a Bioprosthesis: The Ozaki Procedure in Perspective

Background We assessed the Ozaki procedure, aortic valve reconstruction using autologous pericardium, with respect to its learning curve, hemodynamic performance, and durability compared with a stented bioprosthesis. Methods and Results From January 2007 to January 2016, 776 patients underwent an Ozaki procedure at Toho University Ohashi Medical Center. Learning curves, aortic regurgitation (AR), and peak gradient, assessed by serial echocardiograms, valve rereplacement, and survival were investigated. Valve performance and durability were compared with 627 1:1 propensity-matched patients receiving stented bovine pericardial valves implanted from 1982 to 2011 at Cleveland Clinic. Learning curves were observed for aortic clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times, AR prevalence, and early mortality. Decreased aortic clamp time was observed over the first 300 cases. New surgeons performing parts of the procedure after case 400 resulted in a slight increase in aortic clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times. Among matched patients, the Ozaki cohort had more AR than the PERIMOUNT cohort (severe AR at 1 and 6 years, 0.58% and 3.6% versus 0.45% and 1.0%, respectively; P[trend]=0.006), although with a steep learning curve. Peak gradient showed the opposite trend: 14 and 17 mm Hg for Ozaki and 24 and 28 mm Hg for PERIMOUNT at these times (P[trend]<0.001). Freedom from rereplacement was similar (P=0.491). Survival of the Ozaki cohort was 85% at 6 years. Conclusions Patients undergoing the Ozaki procedure had lower gradients but more recurrent AR than those receiving PERIMOUNT bioprostheses. Although recurrent AR is concerning, results confirm low risk and good midterm performance of the Ozaki procedure, supporting its continued use.

Two cases of catastrophic deterioration and multiple leaflet detachment in Trifecta valves

Reports of early and catastrophic acute structural valve deterioration (SVD) in Trifecta valve (Abbott, St Paul, MN, USA) with multiple leaflet detachment are rare. We encountered two cases of early SVD in Trifecta valve with tears on two leaflets. Both cases presented with acute heart failure because of aortic insufficiency, and underwent redo aortic valve replacement; one patient died due to multiple organ failure caused by cardiogenic shock. Durability issues with the Trifecta valves; thus, necessitates long-term vigilance in aortic replacement patients.

Long-term results of modified bentall procedures: 18-year experience of the flanged technique

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the early and late outcomes of the modified Bentall procedure with the flanged technique.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 63 patients who had undergone root replacement by the modified Bentall procedure at our institute between January 2001 and December 2018. In most cases, we adopted a composite graft constructed with a mechanical valve or bioprosthesis and a Dacron graft by the flanged technique. Since 2011, we have used Valsalva grafts.

RESULTS

Mean age 57 ± 16 years, range 16-80, male 43 cases. The mean follow-up was 75 ± 56 months (range 0-216). Through April 1, 2020, we could follow up on 61 cases (97%) within a six-month period. Hospital mortality was 7.9% (4.8% in elective cases). In late follow-up, eight deaths were observed. In the bio-Bentall group (n=26), no deaths or major adverse valve-related events (MARVEs) occurred. In the mechanical Bentall group (n=37), seven cases of MARVEs, including two cerebral hemorrhages and one cerebral embolism, were observed. All patients were free from MARVEs at 5 years post procedure in the bio-Bentall group, and 93.8% and 76.8% were event-free at 5 years and 10 years, respectively, in the mechanical Bentall group.

CONCLUSIONS

The 18-year results of the modified Bentall procedure were acceptable, providing excellent outcomes in the bio-Bentall group. The flanged technique enabled the use of a larger prosthesis, which may have resulted in good durability with the bio-Bentall procedure.

Two-Year Results of the 17-mm Avalus Aortic Valve in the PERIGON Japan Trial

BACKGROUND

The PERIcardial SurGical AOrtic Valve ReplacemeNt (PERIGON) Japan Trial was developed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the 17-mm Avalus bioprosthesis (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement.Methods and Results:The primary endpoint in the trial was the percentage of patients achieving the composite of at least 1 class improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class at 1 year compared with baseline and effective orifice area index (EOAI) of 0.6 cm²/m²or greater at 1-year after implantation, compared with a performance goal of 60%. The present study reports outcomes through 2 years. Eleven patients were implanted (10 [91%] female, median age 78.3 years). From baseline to 1 year, 10 subjects (91%) showed an improvement in NYHA classification. At 1 year, mean (±SD) EOAI was 0.82±0.17 cm²/m², with 10 patients (91%) having an EOAI ≥0.6 cm²/m². As such, 9 of 11 patients (82%) successfully met the primary endpoint. One death occurred between the 1- and 2-year follow-up visits, unrelated to the valve. There were no valve reinterventions, explants, or device deficiencies through 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The PERIGON Japan Trial met its primary endpoint. Surgical implantation of the 17-mm Avalus aortic bioprosthesis can be performed with an acceptable incidence of device-related adverse events, and the valve performs effectively based on echocardiographic findings.

Evaluation of hemodynamics after mitral valve replacement with the St Jude Medical Epic bioprosthesis: a Japanese single-center experience

To assess the early hemodynamics after mitral valve replacement (MVR) using the St Jude Medical (SJM) Epic bioprosthesis. MVR was performed using the SJM Epic bioprosthesis in 35 patients from June 2018 to April 2020; three patients were excluded because the postoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) data were unavailable. Data from postoperative TTE at 1 week and 3 months after the procedure were reviewed. The mean mitral pressure gradient (mMPG) was calculated using a continuous wave Doppler method. Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) was calculated using a pulse wave Doppler method. The effective orifice area (EOA) was measured from pressure half time. There were 12 men (37.5%) and 20 women (62.5%) with a mean age of 75.9 years (61-88 years). The mean body surface area was 1.51 ± 0.22 cm². The 25 mm and 27 mm valves were used in more than 50% of cases. The mMPG was 4.9 ± 1.7 mmHg and 5.4 ± 1.6 mmHg at 1 week and 3 months after surgery, respectively. EOA was 2.18 ± 0.50 cm² and 2.31 ± 0.59 cm² at 1 week and 3 months after surgery, respectively. The peak velocity of the LVOT (n = 22) was 103.3 ± 21.3 cm/s and 106.8 ± 27.4 cm/s at 1 week and 3 months after surgery, respectively. No findings suggested paravalvular regurgitation and LVOT obstruction. Using the SJM Epic bioprosthesis in MVR resulted in satisfactory hemodynamics in the early postoperative period, even with small valve sizes. Further accumulation of cases and evidence, including mid- to long-term results, is required in the future.

[Safety of biological valves for aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive and contemporary overview of the long-term safety outcomes after aortic valve replacements (AVR) with conventional biological heart valve (stented or stentless).

METHODS

English databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrial.gov) and Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, WanFang, and SinoMed) were searched systemically from January 1, 2000 to January 26, 2019. Eligible randomized controlled trials, non-randomized clinical trials, cohort studies (retrospective or prospective), and unselected case series were included. Strict screening of the obtained literature was conducted to extract relevant data by two reviewers. Other inclusion criteria were studied reporting on outcomes of AVR with biological valves (stented or stentless), with or without coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve repair procedure, with mean follow-up length equal to or longer than 5 years. We excluded studies that reported only a specific patient group (e.g., patients with renal failure, or pregnancy), without the report of biological valve type, or with study population size less than 100. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software.

RESULTS

In this study, 53 papers (in total 57 study groups) involving 47 803 patients were included. (1) The all-cause mortality was 6.33/100 patient-years (95%CI: 5.85-6.84). Subgroup analysis showed that the mortality rates of porcine and bovine valve prostheses were 5.69/100 patient-years (95%CI: 5.05-6.41) and 7.29/100 patient-years (95%CI: 6.53-8.13), respectively. The all-cause mortality rates for stented and stentless valve were 6.69/100 patient-years (95%CI: 6.12-7.30) and 5.21/100 patient-years (95%CI: 4.43-6.14), respectively. (2) The incidence rate of thromboembolism was 1.16/100 patient-years (95%CI: 0.96-1.40), the incidence rate of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation was 1.08/100 patient-years (95%CI: 0.75-1.54), the incidence rate of stroke was 0.74/100 patient-years (95%CI: 0.51-1.06), the incidence rate of structural valve dysfunction (SVD) was 0.73/100 patient-years (95%CI: 0.59-0.91), the incidence rate of major bleeding was 0.52/100 patient-years (95%CI: 0.41-0.65), the incidence rate of endocarditis was 0.38/100 patient-years (95%CI: 0.33-0.44), and the incidence rate of non-structural valve dysfunction (NSVD) was 0.20/100 patient-years (95%CI: 0.13-0.31). The total reoperation rate for biological aortic valve was 0.77/100 patient-years (95%CI: 0.65-0.91), and the SVD related reoperation rate was 0.46/100 patient-years (95%CI: 0.36-0.58).

CONCLUSION

The all-cause mortality for conventional biological AVR was 6.33/100 patient-years. Thromboembolism, PPM implantation, reoperation, stroke, and SVD were major long term complications.

Study Protocol for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for a Degenerated Aortic Bioprosthesis in a Japanese Cohort

Background: The valve-in-valve (VIV) procedure is being increasingly performed in high-risk patients with a degenerated bioprosthesis in an aortic position in Western countries. The early safety and efficacy of the VIV procedure, however, remain unclear in Japanese patients with a small aortic annulus. We present the protocol for a study designed to evaluate the early safety and efficacy of the VIV procedure in the aortic position in Japanese patients.

Methods and Results: The prospective, single-center, non-comparative, clinical study of the VIV procedure for the aortic position (AORTIC VIV study) commenced in August 2016 and will end in March 2020. Patients will be monitored for ≥1 month after the VIV procedure. The targeted number of patients is 11. Eligible patients are those who have undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement for a surgical valve (including stented or stentless bioprosthetic valves), or for a transcatheter heart valve. The VIV procedure is performed in high-operative-risk patients with substantial prosthetic valve stenosis, and regurgitation and heart failure resistant to medical treatment (unless the patient meets an exclusion criterion). The safety and efficacy of the VIV procedure will be evaluated in accordance with the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 initiative.

Conclusions: The AORTIC VIV study will clarify the early safety and efficacy of the VIV procedure in Japanese patients.

Early Antithrombotic Therapy after Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement in Elderly Patients: A Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE

Early antithrombotic therapy after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR) is controversial. This study aimed to retrospectively compare between warfarin and aspirin treatment in the 3 months after bioprosthetic AVR for elderly patients more than 60 years old, and to determine the optimal antithrombotic therapy.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 479 patients in single center from January 1994 to June 2014. Patients were divided into two groups (Wa group, warfarin; As group, aspirin). We searched our computerized clinical database for thromboembolic or bleeding events. Propensity score analysis was conducted to adjust for selection bias.

RESULTS

All patients, except one patient, were followed-up in the out-patient department for 3 months after the operation. In all, 86 propensity-matched patient-pairs were derived. Early operative outcomes were similar in both the groups. There are one patient of thromboembolic event and three patients of bleeding events, but the prevalence was not significantly different (p >0.999).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of thromboembolic and bleeding events during early 3 months after bioprosthetic AVR were similar in Wa and As groups. If the patient does not have indications of warfarin, early antithrombotic therapy with aspirin only may be easier and more feasible for elderly patients.

Efficacy of protocol-based pharmacotherapy management on anticoagulation with warfarin for patients with cardiovascular surgery

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Anticoagulation therapy with warfarin requires periodic monitoring of prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) and adequate dose adjustments based on the data to minimize the risk of bleeding and thromboembolic events. In our hospital, we have developed protocol-based pharmaceutical care, which we called protocol-based pharmacotherapy management (PBPM), for warfarin therapy. The protocol requires pharmacists to manage timing of blood sampling for measuring PT-INR and warfarin dosage determination based on an algorithm. This study evaluated the efficacy of PBPM in warfarin therapy by comparing to conventional pharmaceutical care.

METHODS

From October 2013 to June 2015, a total of 134 hospitalized patients who underwent cardiovascular surgeries received post-operative warfarin therapy. The early series of patients received warfarin therapy as the conventional care (control group, n=77), whereas the latter received warfarin therapy based on the PBPM (PBPM group, n=68). These patients formed the cohort of the present study and were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

The indications for warfarin included aortic valve replacement (n=56), mitral valve replacement (n=4), mitral valve plasty (n=22) and atrial fibrillation (n=29). There were no differences in patients' characteristics between both groups. The percentage time in therapeutic range in the first 10 days was significantly higher in the PBPM group (47.1%) than that in the control group (34.4%, P<.005). The average time to reach the steady state was significantly (P<.005) shorter in the PBPM group compared to the control group (7.3 vs 8.6 days).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Warfarin therapy based on our novel PBPM was clinically safe and resulted in significantly better anticoagulation control compared to conventional care.

Outcomes of surgical aortic valve replacement using Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT bioprosthesis series in elderly patients with severe aortic valve stenosis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare the outcomes of Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT (CEP), Magna and Magna Ease valves in Japanese elderly patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS).

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 136 patients (mean age 76.61 ± 5.5 years old) who had undergone isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) using CEP, Magna, and Magna Ease valves at a single institution, from January 2001 to December 2013. We compared the valves according to their survival rates, freedom from major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and durability and hemodynamic performance by echocardiographic data.

RESULTS

The thirty-day mortality after isolated SAVR in all the valve groups was "zero". The differences among the three groups in terms of survival rates, freedom from MACCE at 2 years, durability and hemodynamic performance of the valves by echocardiographic data was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

All CEP, Magna and Magna Ease valves seemed to be similarly useful in Japanese elderly patients with severe AS. Our data did not clearly support the superiority of one valve over another. A longer follow-up period might be necessary to compare the durability and hemodynamic performance of these valves with more certainty.

Early and Late Outcomes of Aortic Valve Replacement Using Bioprosthetic Versus Mechanical Valve in Elderly Patients: A Propensity Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

There is still controversy on the use of mechanical valves to treat elderly patients with a small aortic annulus who require aortic valve replacement (AVR). We compared our results in elderly patients who underwent AVR with a bioprosthetic or mechanical valve. Propensity matching adjusted for baseline differences in this study.

METHODS

Between January 2001 and July 2014, 277 patients aged ≥75 years old who underwent AVR were enrolled. Of 277 patients, 104 patients were selected using propensity score matching analysis. Out of this cohort, 52 patients underwent AVR with a bioprosthetic valve (B group) and the remainder AVR with a mechanical valve (M group).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the B and M groups in 30 days mortality (1.9% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.618). The incidence of patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) after AVR tended to be lower in the M group than in the B group. The overall survival rates in the B and M groups at eight years were 72.8% and 73.3%, respectively (p = 0.473). No significant differences between the two groups were observed in freedom from valve-related death, cardiac events, bleeding events, or stroke events.

CONCLUSIONS

AVR in elderly patients achieved relatively good short-term and long-term outcomes, and the incidence rates of valve-related complications after using a mechanical valve were low. In a selected population of elderly patients, a mechanical valve may be acceptable. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12719 (J Card Surg 2016;31:195-202).

Aortic Valve Replacement With Carpentier-Edwards: Hemodynamic Outcomes for the 19-mm Valve

BACKGROUND

To compare hemodynamic performance and clinical outcomes after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis with the 19-mm Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis versus larger valves.

METHODS

Between January 1998 and December 2013, 447 consecutive patients underwent aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis with the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount (n = 61) or Magna bioprostheses (n = 386). Based on the implanted valve size, the patients were classified into three groups: a 19-mm group (n = 54), a 21-mm group (n = 154), and a 23-mm to 27-mm group (n = 239). The in vivo effective orifice area index was measured by transthoracic echocardiography 12 months after operation (n = 331). The mean follow-up time was 4.9 ± 3.5 (maximum 15.4) years.

RESULTS

There were three early deaths (0.7%). At 10 years, overall survival (84.1%) was unaffected by patient-prosthesis mismatch (18.7%, 62 patients), and freedom from structural valve deterioration and endocarditis was 100% and 97.1%, respectively. Although the 19-mm group was significantly older and had a higher incidence of patient-prosthesis mismatch (n = 14, 30.4%), there were no significant differences in early outcomes, overall survival, cardiac-related mortality, or serial reduction of left ventricular mass index in comparison with patients with a larger bioprostheses. Independent risk factors for all-cause mortality were age, male gender, combined coronary artery bypass graft, and low hemoglobin level.

CONCLUSION

The Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis appears to be associated with acceptable clinical outcomes and hemodynamic profile.

Long-Term Comparison of Three Types of Aortic St. Jude Medical Mechanical Prosthesis in Japanese Patients

BACKGROUND

The long-term results achieved with aortic St. Jude Medical (SJM) mechanical prostheses in various age groups of Japanese patients have not been previously compared or reported.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Since 1981, a total of 240 SJM valves were implanted in 79 patients using the Standard model, in 58 patients with the Hemodynamic Plus model, and in 103 patients with the Regent model for aortic valve replacement (AVR). Follow-up was completed for 2,397 patient-years in 97.5% of the patients, among whom the effect of age was compared, and the subjects were divided into younger (<65 years) and older (≥65 years) groups. Hospital mortality rate was 2.5%. No structural valve deterioration was observed during the follow-up period. In addition, no significant differences were observed in long-term survival between the 3 models. In contrast, significantly better rates of freedom from all-cause death (P<0.0001), valve-related death (P=0.0018) and valve-related morbidity (P=0.0021), including bleeding events (P=0.0007), were observed in the younger group (n=157, 50.6±1.0 years old) than in the older group (n=83, 72.5±0.7 years old).

CONCLUSIONS

All types of SJM valve used for single AVR achieved satisfactory early and long-term results in each age group even 25 years after surgery. When selecting this prosthesis for elderly patients, however, relatively worse performance may be expected compared with that observed in younger patients.

Identification of Coronary Artery Orifice to Prevent Coronary Complications in Bioprosthetic and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to identify anatomical variations in coronary artery orifices among high-risk patients with a small aortic root undergoing bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (BAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in order to prevent coronary orifice obstruction perioperatively.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Coronary orifice and root structure were identified in 400 patients using aortic multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). We measured the aortic root diameter; intercommissural distances; and distance from coronary orifice to valve annulus, commissure, and sinotubular junction. We examined positional relationships between the coronary orifice and stent post, or sewing cuff of the bioprosthetic valve and leaflet of the transcatheter aortic valve. Most left coronary artery orifices were distributed near the center of the non-left and left-right commissures; right ones were relatively distributed on the non-right commissural side. Thirty-four patients (8.5%) with BAVR (coronary orifice near the commissure: 31, 7.8%; low takeoff: 5, 1.3%; and both: 2) and 39 (9.8%) with TAVR were at risk for coronary orifice obstruction. During BAVR, one-stitch rotation of the stent and one-stitch rotation with intra-annular implantation were used in near-commissure and low takeoff cases, respectively. During TAVR, percutaneous coronary intervention may be required in the height of the coronary orifice was ≤10 mm from the base of the ventricle aortic junction.

CONCLUSIONS

Potential coronary complications during BAVR and TAVR in high-risk patients for coronary obstruction were identified using preoperative aortic MDCT. Choice of appropriate surgical technique or valve is essential.

Impact of Ross Operation on Outcome in Young Female Adult Patients Wanting to Have Children

BACKGROUND

The most appropriate valve substitute at aortic valve replacement (AVR) for young female adult patients wanting to have children is unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between 1992 and 2013, 12 consecutive female patients aged >18 (median, 22.5 years; range, 18-34 years) underwent Ross operation (Ross group). Between 1984 and 2013, 9 consecutive female patients aged >18 (median, 30 years; range, 22-39 years) underwent AVR with bioprosthesis (bioprosthesis group). There was 1 late mortality in the bioprosthesis group, due to prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). Freedom from reoperation for aortic valve at 15 years was 90.0% in the Ross group, and 57.1% in the bioprosthesis group (log-rank, P=0.098). One in the Ross group underwent reoperation for aortic regurgitation (AR), whereas 4 in the bioprosthesis group did so for aortic stenosis (AS) in 2, combined AS and AR in 1, and PVE in 1. Five patients in the Ross group and 3 in the bioprosthesis group had 7 and 4 uneventful pregnancies, respectively. AR progressed during the perinatal period in a total of 7 of 11 pregnancies. No AS was seen at discharge, after 5 years, or during pregnancy in the Ross group.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term outcome of Ross operation for female patients wanting to have children is excellent. Although subclinical pulmonary autograft valve regurgitation during pregnancy was often observed, pulmonary autograft stenosis did not occur, therefore it would be an ideal option for patients wanting to have children.

Selection of prosthetic valve and evidence--need for the development of Japan's own guidelines

PURPOSE

In 2014, the American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines were largely revised with regard to the selection of prosthetic valves. (1) A mechanical prosthesis is reasonable for aortic valve replacement (AVR) or mitral valve replacement (MVR) in patients less than 60 years of age, (2) A bioprosthesis is reasonable in patients more than 70 years of age, and (3) Either a bioprosthetic or mechanical valve is reasonable in patients between 60 and 70 years of age.Japan faces the unprecedented population aging, and moreover, the average life expectancy is longer among the Japanese than the Westerners. In Japan, whether this choice is appropriate seems questionable.

METHODS

This time, with the revision of the AHA/ACC guidelines, it might be necessary to take into consideration the average life expectancy of Japanese people and revise the Japanese guidelines accordingly.

RESULTS

We should consider whether 60-70 years should be set as a gray zone regarding the age criteria for choosing biological valves, or if the age should be set higher relative to that specified in the western guidelines, given the longer Japanese life expectancy.

CONCLUSION

We believe that the development of unique, Japanese guidelines for the selection of prosthetic valves will allow us to provide appropriate selection and treatment for each patient.

Long-Term Outcome of Prosthetic Valve Replacement in Japanese Patients Aged 65 Years or Older: Are Guidelines for Prosthetic Valve Selection Based on Overseas Data Appropriate for Japanese Patients?

BACKGROUND

Based on the revised AHA/ACC guidelines, it might be necessary to take into consideration the average life expectancy of Japanese people and revise the Japanese guidelines accordingly. Accordingly, we performed the present study to compare the long-term outcome in patients aged 65 years or older who underwent prosthetic valve replacement at our hospital using mechanical valves or biological valves.

METHODS

We have performed valve replacement in 416 patients aged 65 years or older (mechanical: 157; biological: 244).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the mechanical and biological valve for the actuarial survival rate. As for the valve-related complication free rate, in the mechanical valve group, the rates were significantly higher for all patients, aortic valve replacement (AVR) patients, and mitral valve replacement (MVR) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Following revision of the AHA/ACC guidelines for selection of prosthetic valves, it is necessary to investigate whether patients aged 60-70 represent the gray zone for selecting valves as in US and European guidelines, or whether a higher age is more appropriate in view of the longer average life expectancy in Japan. Accordingly, further evaluation of the long-term outcome for mechanical and biological valves in Japanese patients is needed to obtain evidence for preparation of original Japanese guidelines on prosthetic valve selection.

Long-term durability of pericardial valves in the aortic position in younger patients: when does reoperation become necessary?

BACKGROUND

We sought to assess the long-term durability of pericardial valves in patients at age <65 years undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR), and to determine the timing of redo operations due to structural valve deterioration (SVD).

METHODS

From 1986 to 2001, a total of 574 adult patients underwent AVR with pericardial valves in nine hospitals in Japan. Of these, 53 patients were at age <65 years (group Y). These patients were compared with those of age ≥ 65 (group O, n = 521).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up duration was 9.5 years in group Y and 8.1 years in group O. Freedom from reoperation due to SVD was 100% at five years, 90.8% at 10 years, and 47.2% at 15 years in group Y, and 99.3% at five years, 97.4% at 10 years, and 94.4% at 15 years in group O (log-rank test, p < 0.01). In those who required redo AVR in group Y (n = 12), the mean time from initial operation to reoperation was 12.1 years. The reoperation-free survival curve started to decline after eight years postoperation in group Y.

CONCLUSIONS

Redo AVR started to become necessary eight years after surgery in the patients who underwent AVR with pericardial valve at age <65 years. In addition, approximately half of those patients required reoperation due to SVD by 15 years postoperatively.

Atrial fibrillation at mid-term after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement – implications for anti-thrombotic therapy

BACKGROUND

Little is known about mid-term (3-month) postoperative atrial fibrillation (MT-POAF) in patients treated with bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (BAVR). The aim of this study was to describe the natural history, identify the predictors and investigate the potential consequences in terms of anti-thrombotic therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

During a longitudinal, prospective study, 219 patients were treated with BAVR early (7 days) and at mid-term postoperatively (30 and 90 days). POAF was monitored and risk factors were identified on logistic regression analysis. History of previous AF (OR, 3.08; 95% CI: 1.35-6.98), early POAF (OR, 5.93; 95% CI: 2.96-11.8), and BMI (per 5 kg/m(2): OR, 1.46; 95% CI: 1.03-2.09), were independent predictors for MT-POAF whereas sex, age and Euroscore were not. Results were identical when restricted to the 176 patients free from preoperative AF. In this subgroup, 36 patients (20.4%) had MT-POAF; 33 out of 174 (18.7%) would have required anticoagulation (CHA2DS2VASc score ≥ 1). Conversely, patients with BMI <27.7 and sinus rhythm at early follow-up had a very low risk of MT-POAF (OR, 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06-0.42).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a higher than expected occurrence of MT-POAF in patients treated with BAVR, particularly in overweight patients with early POAF. This raises the question of implementing an anti-thrombotic therapy in these patients at higher risk of delayed atrial arrhythmia.