Mechanical Aortic Prosthesis Research Articles

Medium-term survival of patients with mechanical and biological aortic prosthesis at the 6th decade of life.

The best aortic prosthesis type in 60-70 year old patients is not established. Our aim was to evaluate the survival in a National cohort of patients between 60-70 years old who required surgical aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis (SAVR) with either a mechanical (MP) or bioprosthesis (BP) valve. This is a retrospective study using national data from the Ministry of Health. We included all patients between 60 to 70 years old who underwent SAVR for aortic stenosis in Uruguay from 2011 to 2021. The primary outcome was overall survival according to type of prosthesis used stratified by effect modifiers. The independent effects of gender and use of statins were evaluated. We included 1196 patients (66±3.0 years old; 39.1% female). Mortality was higher for BP (296, 29.9%%) than MP (36, 17.1%; p<0.001). Median follow-up time was 4.5 years (Interquartile range [IQR] 3.4-6.5). The unadjusted incidence rate ratio was higher for BP (Incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.43;95%CI: 0.99, 2.14, p = 0.045). The effect of BP on mortality rate was greater in males (IRR = 1.82;95%CI:1.14,2.92. p interaction = 0.08) and patients who were not taking statins (IRR = 1.97;95%CI:1.14,3.41. p interaction = 0.06). The use of BP was an independent predictor of overall survival in male patients (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.32;95%CI: 1.68, 1.04. p = 0.021) and in patients who were not taking statins (HR = 2.07;95%CI: 1.17, 3.67. p = 0.013). The use of BP was associated with worse survival in male patients and patients not taking statins. Gender and statins use should contribute to type of prosthesis decision in the 60-69 age group.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Rheumatic Aortic Valve Stenosis Using a Top-down Deployment Supra-annular Leaflets Transcatheter Aortic Valve: Technical Considerations

Aortic valve stenosis due to chronic rheumatic heart disease remains prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region. Because of the lack of substantial calcification that can anchor a transcatheter aortic valve, there are several technical considerations during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) when treating this subset of patients. We report a case of successful TAVI using a novel top-down deployment supra-annular leaflets valve in a patient with rheumatic aortic valve stenosis and mechanical mitral valve prosthesis.

Same evidence different recommendations: a methodological assessment of transatlantic guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease.

To identify methodological variations leading to varied recommendations between the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) valvular heart disease (VHD) Guidelines, and to suggest foundational steps towards standardizing guideline development. An in-depth analysis was conducted to evaluate the methodologies used in developing the Transatlantic Guidelines for managing VHD. The evaluation was benchmarked against the standards proposed by the Institute of Medicine. Substantial discrepancies were noted in the methodologies utilized in development processes, including writing committee composition, evidence evaluation, conflict of interest management, and voting processes. Furthermore, despite their mutual differences, both methodologies also demonstrate notable deviations from the IOM standards in several essential areas, including literature review and evidence grading. These dual variances likely influenced divergent treatment recommendations. For example, the ESC/EACTS recommends transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for patients ineligible for mitral valve surgery, while the ACC/AHA recommends TEER based on anatomy, regardless of surgical risk. ESC/EACTS guidelines recommend a mechanical aortic prosthesis for patients under 60, while ACC/AHA guidelines recommend it for patients under 50. Notably, the ACC/AHA and ESC/EACTS guidelines have differing age cut-offs for surgical over transcatheter aortic valve replacement (<65 and <75 years, respectively). Variations in methodologies for developing CPGs have resulted in different treatment recommendations that may significantly impact global practice patterns. Standardization of essential processes is vital to increase the uniformity and credibility of CPGs, ultimately improving healthcare quality, reducing variability and enhancing trust in modern medicine.

Comparative Long-Term Clinical Performance of Mechanical Aortic Valve Prostheses

Aggregated data and long-term follow-up in national health data registers offer the opportunity to compare the performance of mechanical aortic prostheses within the same population. To investigate the clinical performance of mechanical aortic valve prostheses. This nationwide cohort study included all 5224 patients who underwent primary mechanical aortic valve replacement in Sweden between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2018. Statistical analysis was performed between May and September 2023. Surgical aortic valve replacement with the On-X, Carbomedics, Bicarbon, Standard, Regent, Open Pivot, Masters, or Advantage valve models. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and secondary outcomes were reintervention, heart failure, major bleeding, stroke, and embolic events. Regression standardization was used to account for baseline differences. Overall, 5224 patients (mean [SD] age, 56.8 [11.7] years; 3908 men [74.8%]) were included. Total follow-up time was 43 982 person-years (mean [SD], 8.4 [4.6] years; maximum, 17.2 years). After regression standardization, there was a significant difference in 10-year mortality between the Carbomedics model group (17%; 95% CI, 15%-18%), Regent model group (17%; 95% CI, 13%-20%), and Standard model group (17%; 95% CI, 14%-19%) compared with the Bicarbon model group (27%; 95% CI, 21%-34%). In this cohort study of mechanical valve surgical aortic replacement outcomes in Sweden, the rate of all-cause mortality was higher in the Bicarbon group than in the Carbomedics, Regent, and Standard model groups. These findings warrant further research on the long-term clinical performance of the Bicarbon valve.

Assessment of Platelet Mitochondrial Respiration in the Setting of Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Case Report

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular disease worldwide. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is often associated with degenerative aortic stenosis, particularly among older patients. Surgical treatment of the combined pathologies is highly recommended because the results are durable. Assessment of mitochondrial respiration in blood cells has recently emerged as a potential biomarker of the bioenergetic health but data regarding the changes in the setting of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are scarce. A 67-year-old man was referred to the clinic for progressive breathlessness, constrictive thoracic pain and fatigue. Investigations revealed severe aortic stenosis and triple-vessel CAD. The aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical aortic prosthesis and coronary artery bypass graft was performed under mild hypothermia. We assessed platelet complex I (CI)- and complex II (CII)-dependent mitochondrial respiration and found a significant increase in the net active respiration supported by CI and the maximal uncoupled respiration in platelets harvested after CPB compared to those isolated pre-CPB. At variance, the active coupled respiration and electron transfer capacity for CII were decreased. The relative contribution of the complex cardiac pathology and CPB to the impairment of CII-dependent respiration and/or a possible relation with patients’ outcome are worth further investigation in a pilot study.

P272 ROLE OF 3D TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN DIANOSIS OF DYSFUNCTION OF MECHANICAL PROSTHESES

Abstract Infections with endocardial vegetation or the exuberant growth of neoendothelialization tissue (cloth –tissue overgrowth) in heart valve prostheses lead, among other complications, to the malfunction of the prostheses themselves due to obstruction. Among the diagnostic methods available to us, to achieve the diagnosis of prosthetic dysfunction, in recent years three–dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TTE) has become increasingly imposed. We present two clinical cases of patients admitted to our Cardiology department Case 1: Patient of 62 years old, hospitalized for established congestive heart failure. In 2006 he underwent ascending aorta replacement with Dacron 28 prosthesis and aortic valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis (Sorin 25) for aortic bicuspid and ascending aortic aneurysm. During the last follow–up was observed a slight increase in the value of intraprosthetic gradients, as well as a variability in INR values. Physical examination showed signs of heart failure (NT–ProBNP &amp;gt;1000 pg/ml); normal inflammation indices (PCR &amp;lt;2.9 mg/l); ECG: sinus rhythm at 85 bpm with left ventricular overload; trans–thoracic echocardiography showed severe intraprosthetic aortic gradient (Gmax 132mmHg–Gmed 72mmHg), doubtful for cloth adhered to prosthetic discs; 3D TTE shoved hyperechoreflective image adhered to the posterior mobile element (5x9mm) which was fixed in semi–closure. Subsequently, the patient underwent prosthetic replacement surgery with biological prosthesis. Case 2: Patient of 67 years old, heavy smoker, hypertensive, with aortic mechanical prosthesis, a few weeks before hospitalized for Corynebacterium Jeikeium infection. Hospitalized again for fever with increased inflammation indices (CRP 202mg/l). A first TTE concluded for suspected endocarditis of the prosthesis; this doubt was also dissolved by 3D TTE which showed a soft protruding image of the posterior mobile element, preventing the opening and determining severe stenosis (Gmax 160mmHg–Gmed of 80 mmHg), so this patients was transferred to the cardiac surgery department. Conclusions 3D TTE is a method of rapid and safe execution that can be exploited not only pre– or intraoperatively but also to settle diagnostic suspicions not clarified by traditional 2d methods, even managing to distinguish cloth deposits from vegetation / abscesses.

Aortic Dissection and COVID-19 Pneumonia in a Pregnant Woman at 34 Weeks of Gestation

Between 0.1% and 0.3% of all aortic dissections occur during pregnancy. Arterial hypertension, connective tissue disorders, and congenital cardiovascular anomalies-including bicuspid aortic valves-are well-known risk factors. The causality between pregnancy and aortic dissection is unclear, but there have been some observations that COVID-19 illness may increase the risk. This report describes a pregnant woman at 34 weeks of gestation who had a bicuspid aortic valve and experienced an acute aortic dissection while ill with COVID-19 pneumonia. Computed tomography confirmed a type A aortic dissection and bilateral patchy pulmonary opacities. Cesarean delivery was performed, followed by replacement of the aortic valve with a mechanical aortic prosthesis and reconstruction of the ascending aorta and hemiarch. The intraoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation after 51 hours. COVID-19 during pregnancy seems to increase the risk for aortic dissection, although there is no evidence base for an association. Because guidelines for diagnosis and treatment in such complex cases are lacking, care from a multidisciplinary team is crucial for successful outcomes.

Three-dimensional printing in integrated multi-modality imaging approach for management of prosthetic valves infective endocarditis.

After heart failure, infectious endocarditis is the second leading cause of death in patients with prosthetic valves. Aortic pseudoaneurysms are a serious complication of infective endocarditis in mechanical or bioprosthetic aortic prostheses. Diagnostic and management challenges are posed by aortic pseudoaneurysms. In these cases, a multi-modality imaging approach with a heart team is recommended. We described two cases of aortic pseudoaneurysms that developed as a result of infective endocarditis. The first case involved a TAVI patient who developed infective endocarditis as a result of diabetic foot complications. Because traditional echocardiography and computed tomography failed to show the anatomy of the lesion, we used 3D printing to show the anatomy, extension of the pseudoaneurysm, and proximity to the right coronary artery. The second case involved a patient who underwent Bentall's surgery with an aortic root and mechanical aortic valve and later developed infective endocarditis complicated by pseudoaneurysms. In this case, 3D printing was used for preoperative surgical planning.

Immediate and Late Complications in Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

Abstract Congenital aortic bicuspid valve can evolve rapidly and at an early age to a severe aortic disease with significant stenosis and regurgitation. Therefore, cardiovascular surgery with mechanical aortic prosthesis implant is the only therapeutic solution. Despite a successful surgical procedure, complications can be numerous, especially post-operatively, as conduction disorders and arrhythmias. Also, given the recent guidelines recommendations to maintain the INR values above 2,5, chronic oral anticoagulation is critical in the long-term prevention of cardioembolic events. Thus, we are presenting the case of a patient diagnosed with a severe aortic disease secondary to a bicuspid aortic valve, who underwent a Bentall surgical procedure, later suffering a wide spectrum of complications, both immediate and late, especially due to long-term subtherapeutic INR values. The particularities of the case reside both in the multitude of complications that occurred in a particular chronological order and in the interfering mechanisms with the anticoagulant therapy.

The dawn of surgical treatment of aortic insufficiency.

The dawn of surgical treatment of aortic insufficiency.

Technical Details of Redo Aortic Valve Replacement Using St. Jude Medical Mechanical Prosthesis in a Patient with Thrombosed Aortic Mechanical Prosthesis: A Video Presentation

AbstractCurrent consensus guidelines of the American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology uniformly recommend either type of prosthetic valve for patients aged between 60 and 70 years and mechanical prosthesis for patients aged less than 60 years. These recommendations are based on the results of randomized controlled trials that demonstrated no significant difference in late survival. Two of these trials compared mechanical and bioprosthetic valve models implanted in 1970s and 1980s. The other two trials included patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Contemporary data are limited to small single-center studies

P394 FROM A PET THE FIRST AND UNEXPECTED DIAGNOSTIC ORIENTATION

Abstract Introduction Nuclear medicine plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous pathologies. In the cardiology field it can be used to obtain a lot of information about ischemic heart disease, infiltrative heart disease and inflammatory and infectious diseases such as endocarditis. The greatest impact in the field of these latter pathologies was obtained using F–fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in the study of patients with implantable electronic devices and replaced valves or valve prostheses. In this regard, I report the case of a patient with results of valve tube implantation in which a PET performed to investigate an inflammatory pathology has allowed to make a diagnosis of endocarditis. Discussion The case concerns a 66–year–old man subjected to intervention of Bentall for type A aortic dissection (in 2015); chronic aortic dissection remains (Stanford B). Diabetic with chronic renal failure and COPD. Recovered in medicine for low back pain, dysuria and episodes of chills without pyrexia. High inflammatory indices but with urine culture and negative blood cultures performed on isolated febrile peak. CT scan of the chest negative for phlogistic localizations and for intense rachialgia in the suspicion of spondylodiscitis is subjected to total body PET that shows accumulation of radio compound in the first tract of the ascending aorta with greater anterior focality: hyper fixation is associated at the level of the lower limiter of L4 and L5. With these results therefore posed the suspicion of endocarditis for which started to perform transthoracic echocardiogram that did not identify certain pathological elements and transesophageal elements that instead showed suggestive images for endocarditic vegetation in aortic mechanical prosthesis (intravalvular mobile filiform appearance) and on the atrial side of the tricuspid valve (“soft” appearance of large dimensions). It is not associated with valvular dysfunction. After the echocardiographic finding, therapy with daptomycin in addition to piperacillin/tazobactam is initiated and the patient transferred to the infectious diseases department. Conclusions Bacterial endocarditis in particular in patients undergoing cardiac surgery or wearing implantable devices is often characterized by unusual clinical presentation as in this case, so it is not excessive to resort to second–level imaging such as transesophageal echocardiography and nuclear cardiology diagnostics.

P180 A STRANGE JET IN A PATIENT WITH A MECHANICAL AORTIC VALVE

Abstract Clinical Case A 68–year–old male patient with a history of ischemic heart disease in three vessel coronary artery disease who underwent surgical myocardial revascularization in 2012 by CABG (LIMA to LAD); previous aortic valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis (2012); previous PMK implant in permanent AF. The patient arrived at our observation transferred from another hospital where, due to heart failure with new–onset severe left ventricular dysfunction, he had undergone a coronary examination with evidence of occlusion of LAD in the middle tract, patency of LIMA to LAD, severe LM/LCx stenosis followed by IVUS guided PTCA–DES stenting with final TIMI 3. During his hospitalization in our care unit he repeated trans–thoracic echocardiogram examination which documented: severe left ventricular dilatation with reduced EF (40%), left atriomegaly, bileaflet mechanical aortic prosthesis in place with normal systolic opening, normal trans–prosthetic gradients, absent peri or intraprosthetic regurgitation jet, moderate mitral valve regurgitation with central jet, right–sided sections of normal size and contractility in the absence of signs of increased pulmonary pressures. Color Doppler also documented a high–speed jet starting from the prosthesis–LAM interface directed towards the left atrium of unclear interpretation. To better interpretate this finding a transesophageal echocardiogram was performed which confirmed the correct functioning of the aortic mechanical prosthesis, absence of periprosthetic leaks and confirmed a high–speed jet directed from the prosthesis–LAM interface towards the left atrium compatible with perforation of the mitro–aortic continuity tissue. The patient was therefore sent for cardiac surgery and is currently awaiting reoperation.

Adherence to Anticoagulation Ambulatory during the Beginning of Coronavirus Pandemic

INTRODUCTION: Treatment with Vitamin K Antagonists is already proven to be significant in reducing thromboembolic events in patients with indications for systemic anticoagulation. In the context of ambulatory adherence, the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus pandemic emerged as a challenge for managing patients undergoing anticoagulation. &#x0D; &#x0D; METHODS: To avoid crowding and follow the recommended measures of social distancing, the Anticoagulation Ambulatory of the Hospital Universit&amp;aacute;rio de Santa Maria started to adopt a differentiated model of care, with a collection of hospital prothrombin time and immediate home return, followed by teleconsultation, with medication adjustment, as necessary. The present study aimed to assess adherence to the new care model, as well as the profile of patients seen. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, analyzing consultations between March and May 2020. &#x0D; &#x0D; RESULTS: The results demonstrate a low-educated population (76% had completed elementary school at most). The most common indications for the use of oral anticoagulation were atrial fibrillation (33.6%), followed by mechanical aortic valve prosthesis (31.3%) and mechanical mitral valve prosthesis (17.2%). Regarding adherence, especially to blood collection in the scheduled period, there was low adherence in the initial weeks of the pandemic declaration, with substantial improvement in adherence in the last two weeks of analysis. &#x0D; &#x0D; CONCLUSION: Determining the clinical characteristics and profile of patients helps to determine the local needs of this population and implement active search strategies to improve adherence rates, which may reduce unfavorable outcomes.

Technical Details of Redo Aortic Valve Replacement using St. Jude Medical Mechanical Prosthesis in a Patient with Thrombosed Aortic Mechanical Prosthesis: A Video Presentation

Current consensus guidelines of the AHA and ESC, uniformly recommend either type of prosthetic valve for patients aged 60 to 70 years and mechanical prosthesis for patients aged less than 60 years

B-PO05-048 INSERTION OF CORONARY SINUS LEAD UTILIZING INTRACARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAM, 3D ELECTRO-ANATOMICAL MAPPING, 3D PRINTED HEART MODEL AND FLUOROSCOPY IN A PATIENT WITH MARFAN SYNDROME AND PECTUS EXCAVATUM

A 30-year-old woman with a history of pectus excavatum and Marfan syndrome s/p Bentall procedure 7 years prior developed complete heart block after aortic mechanical prosthesis and underwent PPM implant with one RA and two RV leads (RV apex and RVOT) in lieu of failed traditional CRT. She developed a reduced ejection fraction to 30% and was referred to our institution for CRT-D upgrade. Describe a case of CS lead insertion in a patient with complex anatomy. N/A CRT-P system and two RV leads were extracted using laser lead extraction. A CS lead could not be placed despite an extensive traditional approach. A cardiac CT was performed in order to better define CS anatomy, a 3D heart model was printed for procedural planning and CT images were merged with Carto 3D electro-anatomical system. Reviewing the model and images above, a significant cranial displacement of the CS ostium was noted with an acute angulation of the proximal CS. We proceeded with 3D anatomical mapping, ICE, and fluoroscopic guided insertion of a decapolar® catheter in CS via right femoral vein which was then exchanged for a glide wire in order to mechanically straighten the angulation in proximal CS. Then, using a long sheath from the left subclavian approach, the ostium of CS was engaged. The sheath was cautiously advanced under fluoroscopy and Carto mapping using a Bard quadripolar catheter. CS lead was inserted in a posterolateral branch with a recorded RV-LV separation of 150 msec. Multi-modality imaging and mapping can help insert CS leads in patients with prior unsuccessful attempts at cardiac synchronization therapy.

Impact of Mechanical Aortic Prostheses in hospital stay and anticoagulation related complications

Objective: Use of mechanical valves requires long-term anticoagulation, which carries additional risks of bleeding and thrombosis. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of anticoagulation on length of postoperative stay and the incidence of anticoagulation-related complications. Methods: A multicentre study of prospectively collected data, including all patients below 65 years of age undergoing aortic valve replacement (± concomitant non-valvular procedures) was performed. Exclusion criteria included preoperative atrial fibrillation and other indications for anticoagulation, previous cardiac surgery, emergency operations and infective endocarditis. Primary end-points were length of hospital stay and anticoagulation-related complications within 6 weeks of discharge. Results: A total of 1973 patients were included over a 5-year period from 5 centres in the UK. Mean patient age was 59 years (range 17-65 years). Mechanical valves were implanted in 52% of patients. The use of mechanical prostheses was associated with significantly prolonged postoperative stay (median of 7 vs. 6 days with bioprosthesis, p 8 days; OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.27-1.90, p < 0.001). On subanalysis, 1.4% of patients with mechanical prosthesis required readmission for anticoagulation-related complications within 6 weeks of discharge (including late tamponade). An additional 2% required repeated hospital attendance for INR stabilisation. Conclusion: Use of mechanical valves in patients below 65 years of age is associated with both increased hospital stay and anticoagulation-related complications compared to bioprosthesis. The clinical and health economic implications of prosthesis choice should be considered by both the heart team and patient.

Early Hemodynamic Profile after Aortic Valve Replacement — A Comparison between Three Mechanical Valves

IntroductionThere are scarce data comparing different mechanical valves in the aortic position. The objective of this study was to compare the early hemodynamic changes after aortic valve replacement between ATS, Bicarbon, and On-X mechanical valves.MethodsWe included 99 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves between 2017 and 2019. Three types of mechanical valves were used, On-X valve (n=45), ATS AP360 (n=32), and Bicarbon (n=22). The mean prosthetic valve gradient was measured postoperatively and after six months.ResultsPreoperative data were comparable between groups, and there were no differences in preoperative echocardiographic data. Pre-discharge echocardiography showed no difference between groups in the ejection fraction (P=0.748), end-systolic (P=0.764) and end-diastolic (P=0.723) diameters, left ventricular mass index (P=0.348), aortic prosthetic mean pressure gradient (P=0.454), and indexed aortic prosthetic orifice area (P=0.576). There was no difference in the postoperative aortic prosthetic mean pressure gradient between groups when stratified by valve size. The changes in the aortic prosthetic mean pressure gradient of the intraoperative period, at pre-discharge, and at six months were comparable between the three prostheses (P=0.08). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that female gender (beta coefficient -0.242, P=0.027), body surface area (beta coefficient 0.334, P<0.001), and aortic prosthetic size (beta coefficient -0.547, P<0.001), but not the prosthesis type, were independent predictors of postoperative aortic prosthetic mean pressure gradient.ConclusionThe three bileaflet mechanical aortic prostheses (On-X, Bicarbon, and ATS) provide satisfactory early hemodynamics, which are comparable between the three valve types and among different valve sizes.

Mitral Valve Plasty During Correction of Combined Mitral-Aortic Valve Diseases

The aim. To study reconstructive operations on the mitral valve (MV) combined with aortic valve replacement (AVR) for combined mitral-aortic valve defects (CMAVD).&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 1690 patients with CMAVD who underwent surgical treatment at the National Amosov Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine for the period from 01/01/2006 to 01/01/2020. Of these, 429 (23.4%) patients underwent MV reconstruction with AVR.&#x0D; The following valve-sparing procedures were performed: – application of annuloplasty ring: 123 (28.7%); – MV suture annuloplasty: 137 (31.9%); – open mitral commissurotomy: 47 (11.0%); – open mitral commissurotomy + leaflet plication: 4 (0.9%); – application of autopericardial patch on the MV leaflet: 7 (1.6%); – alfieri procedure (MV bicuspidalization): 34 (7.9%); – mitral valve debridgment 12: (2.8%); – plasty with autopericardial patch: 18 (4.2%); – removal of vegetation from MV structures : 7 (1.6%); – resection of MV leaflets with addition of suture annuloplasty: 19 (4.4%); – resection of MV leaflets with addition of an annuloplasty ring: 21 (4.9%).&#x0D; Results. Fatal complications occurred in 4 cases due to heart failure (n = 2) and multiple organ failure (n = 2). Hospital mortality in AVR with MK plasticity MV plasty was 0.9%, which once again emphasizes the importance of traumatic intervention compared with combined mitral-aortic prosthetics, where mortality is 3 times higher. It decreased from 2.9% (2006–2012, n = 128) to 0.3% (2013–2019, n = 301), which indicates the effectiveness of the method with a significant increase in the number of operated patients.&#x0D; After correction, MV regurgitation decreased from +2.4 ± 0.3 to +0.4 ± 0.03. Coaptation of the sash Mk MV leaflets after correction was 7.4 ± 0.6 mm.&#x0D; At the hospital stage there was a decrease in the diastolic peak gradient on the MV from 19.4 ± 4.8 mm Hg to 6.4 ± 0.8 mm Hg. In the remote period, 82.6% of the discharged patients (n = 351) in the period of were followed for 9.3 ± 2.4 years. Better indicators were noted in group of patients with functional class III than those with functional class IV (p &lt;0.05). Fatal outcomes due to thromboembolic complications (n = 29) were caused by the presence of a mechanical aortic prosthesis and partial non-compliance with the protocol of anticoagulant therapy. Unsatisfactory result in the group with changes in the MV was due to the activity of the rheumatic process and progressive heart failure with prolonged atrial fibrillation (n = 37).&#x0D; The etiology of the defect affected the long-term outcome. The activity of the rheumatic process in patients with functional class IV determined changes in the MV leaflets in the long term and worsened the result.&#x0D; MV regurgitation increased from +0.08 ± 0.03 (5 years after surgery) to +1.2 ± 0.3 (10 years after surgery). In the long term there was an increase in the diastolic peak gradient on the MV from 9.4 ± 0.4 mm Hg (5 years after surgery) to 13.4 ± 3.2 mm Hg (10 years after surgery). MV replacement was performed in 4 patients 6, 9, 10, 11 years after surgery.&#x0D; Conclusions. Given the available clinical experience, it is advisable to recommend reconstructive interventions on the MV to correct CMAVD and improve the level of survival and stability of good results.

Totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement with stented biological and mechanical aortic prostheses

Abstract Background Endoscopic mitral valve surgery has become the gold standard of care in many expert centres around the globe. The aortic valve has not met the same popularity mainly due to the very confined space in the aortic root, and to the close proximity with the sternum which restricts the movement of the endoscopic instruments. When endoscopic aortic valve replacement is practiced in expert centres, is usually performed with the use of sutureless bioprostheses. We hereby present our experience of totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement (TEAVR) with conventional mechanical and biological prostheses. Methods Since January 2019, fifty-two consecutive patients with significant aortic stenosis and/or aortic regurgitation, who were operated with TEAVR with conventional prostheses were studied. 7,69% of the cases were REDOs. The prostheses used were either stented bovine pericardial in 84,6% of the patients and bileaflet mechanical in 15,4%. The operations were performed through a 3 to 4 cm working incision in the 3rd intercostal space (ICS) right parasternally (where an extra small soft tissue protector was deployed), a 10 mm port for the 3D, 30°, endoscope, and a 5 mm port for the left atrial vent. On full cardiopulmonary bypass, the heart was arrested with cardioplegia which was administered either in the aortic root or directly in the coronary ostia. A transverse aortotomy was performed 3 cm above the right coronary ostium. The native valve (tricuspid or bicuspid) was excised, the annulus was sized and the prostheses were inserted using twelve to fifteen annular sutures who were secured using an automated suture-fastening device. In order to facilitate exposure in the aortic root, a metal self-expandable net was used. Results The average age of the patients treated was 68,3 years (range 36–81, median 72). The mean EuroSCORE2 was 3,22 (0,9–12,01, SEM:0,71). The mean size of the prostheses inserted was 23,72 mm (21–27, median 23) and the mean postoperative peak gradient was 12,15 (5–19, SEM: 1,00). Mean cross clamp and CPB times were 75,38 min (SEM:5,87) and 116,30 (SEM:8,63). There was no case of paravalvular leak or pacemaker insertion. There was no mortality in this cohort of patients. There was one case of cerebrovascular accident. Conclusions TEAVR can be performed safely with conventional aortic prostheses. There are several advantages of the technique over the other aortic valve replacing approaches. Over the other surgical techniques has the advantage of not fracturing the sternum or spreading or dislodging the ribs and increased patient satisfaction. Over the TAVI has the advantages of fully removing the diseased native valve, securing the prosthesis at the exact annular level without any paravalvular leaks or need for pacemaker insertion and the ability of using mechanical prostheses. The main disadvantages of the technique are the relatively prolonged cross clamp and CPB times and the steep learning curve. TEAVR Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None