Using a Regent Aortic Valve in a Small Annulus Mitral Position Is a Viable Option

Abstract

Background: Outcome of mitral valve replacement in extreme scenarios of small mitral annulus with the use of the Regent mechanical aortic valve is not well documented.

Methods: Records were examined in 31 consecutive patients who underwent mitral valve replacement with the use of the aortic Regent valve because of a small mitral annulus.

Results: Mean age was 60 ± 14 years. Mitral stenosis or mitral annulus calcification was present in 30 of 31 patients (97%). Concurrent procedures were performed in 17 of 31 patients (55%). Median valve size was 23 mm. Mean mitral gradient coming out of the operating room was 4.2 ± 1.5 mm Hg and at follow-up echocardiogram performed at a median of 32 months after the procedure was 5.8 ± 2.4 mm Hg.

Conclusions: A Regent aortic mechanical valve can be a viable option with a larger orifice area than the regular mechanical mitral valve in a problematic situation of a small mitral valve annulus. Moreover, the pressure gradients over the valve are acceptable intraoperatively and over time.