Warning: Early Structural Valve Deterioration of an Aortic Bioprosthesis

SVD had a higher-than-expected rate and was associated with high mortality in patients with an accelerated SVD pattern.

Cardiologists often calculate the incidence of structural valve deterioration (SVD) of aortic bioprostheses by the rate of reoperation, which can lead to underestimates as elderly, high-risk patients may be refused surgery. Researchers at a French hospital examined clinical and echocardiographic follow-up data on 617 consecutive patients who had received the Mitroflow bioprosthesis (models 12A or LX) between 2002 and 2007 (mean age, 76; octogenarians, 32%; women, 55%).

The median length of follow-up was 4 years. On echocardiography, SVD was identified in 39 patients (6.3%); most (92%) had valve calcification. Within 12 months, 13 patients (33%) experienced an accelerated increase of >25 mm Hg in mean transprosthetic gradient, and 6 died (46%…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHeart Valve Collaboratory (Scientific Committee Member, Chair of the Publications Committee)