Sutureless aortic valve replacement in patients who have bicuspid aortic valve

Abstract

Objective: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is generally considered to be a contraindication to sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and perioperative outcomes of this technique in patients with BAV.

Methods: From June 2011 to January 2014, a total of 25 patients who underwent sutureless AVR had documented BAV. Thirteen patients (52%) had median sternotomy, and 12 patients (48%) a minimally invasive approach.

Results: The study population included 17 (68%) men with a median age of 77.8 ± 5.4 years. The mean EuroSCORE II was 3.4% ± 2.6%. Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting in 8 patients (32%), 2 AVRs (8%), 1 mitral valve repair (4%), 1 septal myomectomy (4%), and 1 atrial septal defect closure (4%). The mean transaortic valve gradient decreased from 49.4 ± 15.7, to 14.5 ± 5.4 mm Hg postoperatively. The mean aortic valve area increased from 0.78 ± 0.18, to 1.75 ± 0.43 cm(2) postoperatively. Five patients (20%) suffered from atrioventricular block that required permanent pacemaker implantation. Two patients (8%) suffered a stroke. No major paravalvular leakage occurred, and no postoperative valve migration. In-hospital mortality occurred in 1 patient (4%). The mean intensive care unit length of stay was 3 ± 2 days postoperatively.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a sutureless aortic valve can be deployed in patients with BAV without increasing the risk of paravalvular leakage. BAV should not be considered a contraindication to sutureless AVR.

Keywords: Perceval S; aortic valve; bicuspid aortic valve; bioprosthesis; replacement.