Stentless Aortic Valve Replacement in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Objective. Seven-year clinical and hemodynamic results of the Cryolife O'Brien (CLOB) stentless bioprosthesis in elderly patients are reported. Methods. From 1993 to 2000, 36 patients aged >75 years had a CLOB implanted in the aortic position. Eighteen (50%) were male. All patients were monitored with serial echocardiograms performed preoperatively, at discharge, six months, one year and yearly thereafter. Results. The 30-day mortality was 2.4% (1/36). Actuarial survival at one, five and seven years were 96.7±1.5. 94.8±2.0 and 94.8±2.0%, respectively. Peak and mean gradients (PG and MG) reduced and effective orifice area index (EOAI) increased over time ( P<0.001). Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) reduced by 32 g/m2 at discharge ( P<0.001) and by 33 g/m2 at six months ( P<0.001) without further significant changes. Conclusions. In our series CLOB xenograft resulted to be a satisfactory valve substitute in elderly patients.