Use of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene valved patch with a sinus in right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction†

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate our late outcomes using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) valved patches with bulging sinuses and a fan-shaped valve for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction. METHODS: Six hundred and ninety patients underwent RVOT reconstruction using fan-shaped ePTFE valves and ePTFE valved patches with a bulging sinus. The patients’ median age and weight were 1.3 years [range 4 days–64.2 years, interquartile range (IQR) 0.9–2.3 years] and 8.7 (range 2.8–83.1, IQR 7.4–10.5) kg, respectively. The patches were monocuspid in 634 patients, bicuspid in 49 patients and tricuspid in 7 patients. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected retrospectively from the patients’ medical records. The longest follow-up period was 17.5 (7.6 ± 3.9) years. RESULTS: There were no deaths related to the ePTFE patch. Pulmonary insufficiency was less than mild in 77.3%, and the peak RVOT gradient was <36 mmHg in 92.3% at the latest follow-up. Redo of RVOT reconstruction was performed in 40 patients, in no cases because of patch infection. Overall freedom from reoperation at 5, 10 and 15 years was 96.5%, 93.1% and 87.9%, respectively; by patient age, the rates at 5, 10 and 15 years for those younger than 1 year were 93.2%, 91.0% and 88.9%, respectively, while for those 1 year or older, they were 97.9%, 94.0% and 88.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory long-term outcomes were achieved with ePTFE patches with a bulging sinus and a fan-shaped valve. This ePTFE valved patch could be the optimal choice for RVOT reconstruction.