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DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1191456
The 3F stentless bioprosthesis at midterm
Aims: The 3F aortic bioprosthesis is a stentless biological heart valve fabricated from three equal leaflets of equine pericardium, assembled in a tubular shape, and implanted in the native aortic root, to replace the patient's diseased aortic leaflets. Aim of this study was to evaluated the midterm performance of this device.
Methods: Between January 2002 and September 2004, 47 3F aortic bioprostheses were implanted at our institution. Clinical outcomes, effective orifice area, mean gradients and ejection fraction were evaluated at discharge at 6 months and yearly there after. Mean follow up was 5.2±1.2 years
Results: Follow up was complete for all patients. 30 day mortality was 2% (n=1). Late mortality was 22% (cardiac related n=4, noncardiac related n=8). 3 (6%) patients developed endocardits and 2 required reoperation. 4 (8%) patients developed a paravalvular leak, 6 (12%) patients had a postoperative stroke, 5 (10%) patients required rethoracotomy for bleeding.. At midterm the 3F bioprosthesis showed a good hemodynamic performance with a significant drop of mean gradients to 14.5±8.3mmHg, a mean effective orifice area of 1.4±0.5cm2 and a mean ejection fraction of 65±1.4%. 4 patients were in NYHA functional class II all others in NYHA I, at midterm.
Conclusion: The clinical performance of the new 3F aortic bioprosthesis is comparable to regular stentless aortic valves. Its unique design features make it easier and quicker to implant than conventional stentless valves.