Multicenter Analysis of Clinical Follow-Ups in Patients with a Star GK Cardiac Valve Replacement for More than One Year

Abstract

<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Background:</strong> Star GK valves were widely used in China, and we studied the clinical follow-up results of patients with Star GK valve implants for more than one year. </span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Methods:</strong> Clinical data were collected from those patients who had Star GK valve implants for over one year. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) AVR group: received aortic valve replacement surgery. Based on the valve model this group was further sub-divided into two groups: 21A group, and 23A group; (2) MVR group: received mitral valve replacement surgery. Based on the valve model this group was further sub-divided into three groups: 25M group, 27M group, and 29M group; (3) DVR group: received combined replacement surgeries including AVR + MVR. According to postoperative follow-up time these patients were divided into two groups: 1-year group and 3-year group. Follow-up data were collected by telephone, outpatient visits, or correspondence. Clinical data were aggregated by professional data scientists to conduct independent analyses. </span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Results:</strong> 959 patients were included in the study following Star GK valve implant. Follow-up after 1 year found that thrombosis occurred in 4 cases, hemorrhage in 15 cases, left heart failure in 13 cases, paravalvular leakage in 5 cases, and death due to cardiac causes in 2 cases. </span></p><p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The long-term efficacy of Star GK valve implants was satisfactory with low incidence of valve-related complications, and following Star GK valve implant, valve and blood were highly compatible and blood component damage was minor. Very low incidence rate of thrombosis was observed following Star GK valve implant, however, attention should be paid to adjust the anticoagulation intensity. </span></p>