15 years experience with 615 homograft and autograft aortic valve replacements

Abstract

Homograft valve replacement of the diseased aortic valve with a homologous aortic valve inserted in the sub-coronary position was first performed in July 1962 (Ross 1962). The procedure of transferring the patients autologous pulmonary valve to the aortic position has been used since 1967 (Ross 1967). The long term performance of homograft valves has not been regarded as satisfactory in some centres (Cope-land 1977, Anderson & Hancock 1977) whereas others have shown it to be an excellent valve replacement (Barratt-Boyes, 1977, Bodnar et al 1979). The differing experiences may be the results of alternative methods of sterilization, preservation and surgical insertion. This paper presents information on isolated aortic valve replacements with either homograft or autograft valves over a 15 year period.