Midterm results of aortic valve replacement with Carpentier-Edwards porcine bioprosthesis

Abstract

Since 1987 we have been using Carpentier-Edwards porcine bioprostheses for aortic valve replacements in patients of advanced age and those with a contraindication for anticoagulation therapy. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into the midterm results of our series of patients with Carpentier-Edwards porcine bioprostheses in the aortic position. From September 1987 through June 1999, 31 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with Capentier-Edwards porcine bioprostheses. The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 89 (average, 71 ± 11 years old), and 21 patients (67.7%) were 70 years old or older. There were no operative deaths. Three hospital deaths (9.7%) and one nonhospital death (3.2%) took place. The actuarial survival rate of 31 patients was 90.3% at 5 years and 81.3% at 7 years. Valve-related complications were seen in six patients (19.4%). The postoperative Doppler peak gradient of aortic prostheses was less than 30 mm Hg in all groups, irrespective of valve size. In conclusion, the Carpentier-Edwards porcine bioprosthesis affords good durability with a low rate of valve-related complications and reoperation. Furthermore, the postoperative function of the prosthesis was reasonable in the Doppler echo studies.