Clinical and hemodynamic findings following calf aortic valve transplantation for human aortic valve: A preliminary report

Abstract

Calf aortic valve transplantation for the human aortic valve has been performed in 20 patients and the patients have been followed up to nine months. The condition of all surviving patients showed improvement as indicated by symptomatic relief, reduction in heart size and auscultatory changes. The hemodynamic studies revealed no aortic valvular gradient at rest. The valve was competent in all but 2 in whom it was of little dynamic significance. Left ventricular performance improved. There was no thromboembolism related to the heterograft. No evidence of host rejection was demonstrated. Our continued use of calf aortic valve is based on its easy availability and favorable short-term results of heterotransplantation. Further investigation will be made to determine its long-term results and ultimate fate. No claim is made as to its superiority over valve prosthesis or homograft until such time when long-term follow-up indicates so. It is speculated that relative deepness of the cusps of the calf aortic valve may allow more surface area of contact between the cusps than those of the human aortic valve. It is hoped that this may minimize the incidence of aortic regurgitation, should the valve cusps retract.