Valve preserving surgery in patients with bicuspid aortic valve

Bicuspid aortic valve can be associated with clinically important aortic regurgitation and dilatation of ascending aorta. Aortic valve repair seems to be optimal therapeutic option how to avoid valve-related and anticoagulation-related complications. We have analyzed midterm outcomes of patients after bicuspid aortic valve repair.MethodsBetween January 2008 and December 2015, 91 patients (mean age 40.9 ± 12.2) with bicuspid aortic valve (type 0 or 1) underwent valve-sparing surgery for aortic valve insufficiency or aortic aneurysm. Urgent procedures and patients of age more than 65 were not included. The cohort of patients was retrospectively divided into two groups. Forty-nine patients underwent aortic valve-sparing procedure with root replacement (group 1). Forty-two patients underwent aortic valve repair without root replacement (group 2). The mean length of follow-up was 57.5 months.ResultsThere was no death in connection with aortic valve repair during follow up. Three patients from group 2 required in-hospital reoperation for early repair failure. Another seven patients (4 from group 1 and 3 from group 2) were reoperated for recurrent aortic insufficiency during follow-up period. Freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 5 years was 90% in group 1 and 87% in group 2. Freedom from recurrent aortic insufficiency (>2°) at 5 years was 85% in group 1 and 78% in group 2.ConclusionBicuspid aortic valve repair is a safe procedure, which can be performed with acceptable midterm results. Risk of repair failure depends on preoperative valve morphology and choice of repair technique. Repair technique needs to be tailored to the specific anatomy of the valve.     

Mid-Term Outcome of Surgical Treatment in Pediatric Patients with Ebstein’s Anomaly: A Single-Center Cohort Study

Background: Ebstein’s anomaly (EA) is a malformation of the tricuspid valve (TV) and myopathy of the right ventricle (RV). Surgery is now the main treatment for the defect. Objective: To summarize our surgical results and experience based on patients with EA who were under 7 years of age and treated with different surgical treatments. Design: Single-center cohort study of Ebstein’s anomaly. Setting: China. Participants: 80 patients under 7 years old who were diagnosed of EA and underwent different surgical treatments were consecutively enrolled in our research from January 2010 to December 2019. Results: The median age of the 80 patients at the time of surgery was 3.63 years. Sixty-four (80.00%) patients underwent biventricular repair while 13 (16.25%) underwent 1.5-ventricle repair. With the median follow-up 27.50 months, the mid-term survival of the total cohort, 1.5-ventricular repair and biventricular repair was 82.35%, 91.67% and 100%, respectively. The mid-term freedom from reoperation rate was 97.50%, 92.31% and 98.44%, respectively. Mild, moderate and severe TR before surgery occurred in 6 (7.50%), 18 (22.50%) and 56 (70.00%), respectively. The early outcomes of 78 patients were 65 (83.33%), 11 (14.11%) and 2 (2.56%); the mid-term outcomes of 72 patients were 49 (68.06%), 19 (26.38%) and 4 (5.56%). Both early and mid-term valve regurgitations were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) compared with preoperative condition. No more severe regurgitation occurred (p = 0.404), though some early mild regurgitation became acceptable moderate regurgitation during mid-term follow-up (p = 0.036). Conclusion: The overall effect of surgical treatment for EA was good, and most patients could receive biventricular repair at an early stage. The reoperation rate and mid-term mortality were both low and TR was significantly improved.     

Predictores de mortalidad hospitalaria y a medio plazo tras el reemplazo valvular aórtico transcatéter: datos del registro nacional TAVI 2010-2011

Introduction and objectivesThe treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis has been revolutionized by the technique of transcatheter valve replacement. The purpose of this study was to present the outcomes and predictors of mortality in patients enrolled between 2010 and 2011 in the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement National Registry.MethodsWe collected 131 preprocedural, 31 periprocedural, and 76 follow-up variables, and analyzed the immediate implant success rate, the 30-day safety endpoint, and all-cause 30-day and mid-term (mean follow-up, 244 days) mortality.ResultsFrom January 2010 to December 2011, a total of 1416 patients were included: 806 with Edwards valves and 610 with CoreValves. The implant success and 30-day mortality rates were 94% and 8%, respectively, without differences between types of valves and approaches. The 30-day safety endpoint and mid-term mortality rates were 14% and 16%, respectively, which were also similar between groups. The presence of comorbidities (renal failure, peripheral vascular disease, ejection fraction, and atrial fibrillation), the need for conversion to surgery, and at least moderate aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation were identified as independent predictors of in-hospital and mid-term mortality.ConclusionsThe prognosis of valve implant patients could be improved by including comorbidities in patient selection and by minimizing the degree of residual aortic regurgitation to optimize the results of the procedure.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Aortic valve sparing operations versus composite graft implantation in acute aortic dissections

ObjectivesType A acute aortic dissection is life threatening disease requiring urgent operation. This type of the operation is often a subject of discussion. In our study we present our first experience with two different types of operations with and without preservation of the aortic valve.Patients and methodsFrom January 2009 to December 2011 fifty six patients underwent the operation due to the acute aortic dissection type A. Ascending aorta was replaced in 32 cases and more complex operation was performed in 24 patients due to the simultaneous severe aortic root damage by dissection (study group). In eleven patients (group A) replacement of aortic valve, aortic root and ascending aorta by composite graft (modified Bentall procedure) was performed and in 13 patients (group B) valve sparing operation (reimplantation according to David) was carried out.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups in preoperative variables. The only significant difference was mean duration of hospitalisation; 26.7±13.7 days in group A and 16.4±7.7 days in group B. Hospital mortality was 18.2% (n=2) after Bentall procedure, no patient died in group B. There were no or minimal aortic regurgitation in all patients of group B on echocardiography before discharge. The mean follow-up was 17.6 months (3.6–35.8) in group A, and 23.5 months (7.9–38.9) in group B. During this period of time three patients in group A and one patient in group B died; two of cardiac and two of noncardiac reasons. In group B no patient had aortic regurgitation higher than grade I and all patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II.ConclusionAortic valve reimplantation in patients with type A dissection can be performed with excellent early and mid-term results. In the hands of an experienced surgeon it represents a good alternative to the Bentall operation. Its main advantage is the preservation of the native valve without the necessity of anticoagulation therapy.     

A New Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement System for Predominant Aortic Regurgitation Implantation of the J-Valve and Early Outcome

ObjectivesThis study introduces a newly designed transcatheter aortic valve system, the J-Valve system, and evaluates its application in patients with predominant aortic regurgitation without significant valve calcification. We also report the early results of one of the first series of transapical implantations of this device and aim to offer guidance on the technical aspects of the procedure.BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been widely used in high-risk patients for surgical aortic valve replacement. However, the majority of the TAVR devices were designed for aortic valve stenosis with significant valve calcification.MethodsSix patients with native aortic regurgitation without significant valve calcification (age, 61 to 83 years; mean age, 75.50 ± 8.14 years) underwent transapical implantation of the J-Valve prosthesis (JieCheng Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China), a self-expandable porcine valve, in the aortic position at our institution. All patients were considered to be prohibitive or high risk for surgical valve replacement (logistic EuroSCORE [European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation], 22.15% to 44.44%; mean, 29.32 ± 7.70%) after evaluation by an interdisciplinary heart team. Procedural and clinical outcomes were analyzed.ResultsImplantations were successful in all patients. During the follow-up period (from 31 days to 186 days, mean follow-up was 110.00 ± 77.944 days), only 1 patient had trivial prosthetic valve regurgitation, and none of these patients had paravalvular leak of more than mild grade. There were no major post-operative complications or mortality during the follow-up.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated the feasibility of transapical implantation of the J-Valve system in high-risk patients with predominant aortic regurgitation.     

Corrected QT Interval in Severe Aortic Stenosis: Clinical and Hemodynamic Correlates and Prognostic Impact

BackgroundThe role of the electrocardiogram for risk stratification in patients with severe aortic stenosis is not established. We assessed the hemodynamic correlates and the prognostic value of the corrected QT interval (QTc) in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement.MethodsThe QT interval was measured in a 12-lead electrocardiogram in 485 patients (age 74 ± 10 years, 57% male) with severe aortic stenosis (indexed aortic valve area 0.41 ± 0.13 cm²/m², left ventricular ejection fraction 58 ± 12%) the day prior to cardiac catheterization. Prolonged QTc was defined as QTc >450 ms in men and QTc >470 ms in women. The outcome parameter was all-cause mortality.ResultsPatients with prolonged QTc (n = 100; 77 men, 23 women) had similar indexed aortic valve area but larger left ventricular and left atrial size, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, more severe mitral regurgitation, lower cardiac index, and higher mean pulmonary artery pressure, mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance, as compared with patients with normal QTc (n = 385). After a median follow-up of 3.7 years (interquartile range, 2.6-5.2) after surgical (n = 349) or transcatheter (n = 136) aortic valve replacement, patients with prolonged QTc had higher mortality than those with normal QTc (hazard ratio 2.81 [95% confidence interval, 1.51-5.20]; P < .001). Prolonged QTc was an independent predictor of death along with more severe mitral regurgitation and higher pulmonary vascular resistance.ConclusionsIn patients with severe aortic stenosis, prolonged QTc is a marker of an advanced disease stage associated with an adverse hemodynamic profile and increased long-term mortality after aortic valve replacement.     

62例室间隔缺损合并主动脉瓣脱垂的外科治疗

目的 总结室间隔缺损（VSD）合并主动脉瓣脱垂的外科治疗经验.方法 2001年1月至2010年12月间,我院收治62例VSD合并主动脉瓣脱垂患者,行单纯VSD心内修复术31例、主动脉瓣置换术（AVR）29例、主动脉瓣成形术（AVP）11例.结果 术后早期死亡2例,1例VSD修补和AVR患者术后3 d因室性心律失常死亡;1例15岁患者,7年前在外院行VSD修复和AVP,复查超声心动图示主动脉瓣重度关闭不全、巨大左心室,再次行AVR,术后1周因心衰死亡.余60例均存活.术后门诊随访,随访时间6个月至10年,共55例,随访率91.7 %.心功能Ⅰ级50例、Ⅱ级5例,均能从事正常生活及学习.1例单纯VSD修复患者出现VSD残余漏,术后1年复查超声心动图示主动脉瓣中度关闭不全,行AVR,目前已治愈.11例AVP患者中,轻度关闭不全8例（2例为肺动脉瓣下VSD,6例为围膜部VSD）;轻-中度关闭不全2例（均为围膜部VSD）;中度关闭不全1例（围膜部VSD）,于术后5年行AVR后治愈.行全迷宫双极射频消融术治疗心房颤动1例,患者心律转为窦性心律.结论 根据主动脉瓣脱垂的程度,合理处理VSD及主动脉瓣病变,可取得满意的疗效.     

Long-term assessment of the Ross procedure in adults: Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up at 20 years

IntroductionThe Ross procedure is an alternative to standard aortic valve (AV) replacement in young and middle-aged patients. However, durability and incidence of reoperation remain a concern for most cardiac surgeons. Our aim was to assess very long-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes of the Ross procedure.MethodsWe conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of 56 consecutive adult patients who underwent the Ross procedure. Mean age at surgery was 44±12 years (range, 16-65 years) and 55% were male. Clinical endpoints included overall mortality and the need for valve reoperation due to graft failure. The echocardiographic endpoint was the presence of any graft deterioration. Median clinical follow-up was 20 years (1120 patient/years).ResultsIndications for surgery were dominant aortic stenosis in 50% and isolated aortic regurgitation in 21%. Concomitant mitral valve repair was performed in 21% and a subcoronary technique was most commonly used (86%). Overall long-term survival was 91%, 80% and 77% at 15, 20 and 24 years, respectively. The survival rate was similar to the age- and gender-matched general population (p=0.44). During the follow-up period, freedom from graft reoperation was 80%. Eleven patients (31%) developed moderate AV regurgitation, three (8.6%) developed moderate pulmonary regurgitation and one (2.9%) presented moderate pulmonary stenosis.ConclusionThe Ross procedure, mostly using a subcoronary approach, proved to have good clinical and hemodynamic results, with low reoperation rates in long-term follow-up. Moderate autograft regurgitation was a frequent finding but had no significant clinical impact.     

Aortic valve sparing in 120 patients with aortic root aneurysms

Introduction and objectives

Several aortic valve sparing techniques have been described for the treatment of aortic root aneurysms. We report our experience using the reimplantation technique in 120 patients.

Methods

Between March 2004 and October 2010, 120 patients with aortic root aneurysms underwent David operations. Of these, 51 were diagnosed with Marfan syndrome. Mean patient age was 31 ± 12 years. The mean diameter of the sinuses of Valsalva was 51 ± 5 mm and moderate/severe aortic regurgitation was present in 16% of these patients. In the other 69 patients mean age was 56 ± 14 years, the mean diameter of the sinuses of Valsalva was 53 ± 7 mm and moderate/severe aortic regurgitation was present in 66%. A bicuspid aortic valve was presented in 14 cases.

Results

Hospital mortality was 1.7%. Mean follow-up was 37 ± 21 months; 94% of the patients survived and 96% had an aortic regurgitation below grade II during 5 years of follow-up. One patient required re-operation because of severe aortic regurgitation. No endocarditis or thromboembolic complications have been documented, and 96% of the patients did not receive any anticoagulation therapy.

Conclusions

Short- and mid-term results with the reimplantation technique for aortic root aneurysms are excellent. This technique prevents the need for chronic anticoagulation treatment as well as the complications arising from mechanical prostheses, and it should be the treatment of choice for young patients.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org     

Outcomes of surgical bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement for aortic insufficiency

BackgroundResults and durability of aortic valve replacement in aortic stenosis are well known, but no study has focused on the results of aortic valve replacement in aortic insufficiency.AimThe aim of this retrospective study was to describe our mid-term outcomes after aortic valve replacement for aortic insufficiency.MethodsAll consecutive adult patients who underwent bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement for aortic insufficiency at two European centres (in France and Germany) between May 2005 and December 2020 were analysed.ResultsDuring the study period, 289 patients were included. Mean age was 56.9 ± 12.5 years. Overall operative mortality was 1.5%, and the 10-year survival estimate rate was 75.0%, which was significantly lower than in the age- and sex-matched general population, with a standardized mortality ratio of 2.88 (95% confidence interval 1.96–4.08; P < 0001). Freedom from aortic valve-related death was 87.6%, and from aortic valve-related reoperation was 87.4%. No patient aged > 60 years was reoperated on during follow-up. Freedom from severe structural valve deterioration at 10 years was 73.3%, and freedom from moderate structural valve deterioration at 10 years was 50.3%. Freedom from major adverse valve-related events at 10 years was 69.7%.ConclusionsAlthough bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement for aortic insufficiency shows good early results, 10-year mortality and major adverse valve-related event rates in young patients may be a concern, with a reduction in life expectancy compared with the general population.     

Transcatheter Aortic Bioprosthesis Durability: A Single-Center Experience

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implant (TAVI) is gaining momentum in the treatment of severe, symptomatic aortic valve stenosis, and its indication is expanding to lower surgical risk individuals, who are generally younger and have a long life expectancy. Therefore, transcatheter bioprostheses durability appears of critical importance. Aim of the present study is to evaluate mid-term outcomes of TAVI in a high-volume single center cohort.MethodsWe analyzed all consecutive patients (n = 408) who underwent transfemoral TAVI at a single, high-volume center, between 2007 and 2014. Study objectives were all-cause death and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) at long term follow-up. Structural valve deterioration (SVD), BVF and valve-related death were defined according to current international standards. Follow-up was performed by in person visit and transthoracic echocardiography, which was obtained only in a minority of patients, or phone call as per patient preference.ResultsAt a median follow-up of 1821 days, overall mortality was 64.5%, with cardiovascular disease accounting for roughly half of total deaths. Valve-related deaths occurred in 10 patients. Seventeen patients were diagnosed with BVF, and 15 required repeat intervention. Moderate and severe SVD were observed in 10 and 7 patients, respectively. In the subgroup of patients with echocardiographic mid-term follow-up (n = 76), no significant increase of transprosthetic gradients nor increase of significant regurgitation was detected.ConclusionIn the present unselected, all-comers cohort, TAVI bioprostheses appeared to have excellent durability at long-term follow-up.     

The role of transesophageal echocardiography in aortic valve preserving procedures

In selected cases of aortic regurgitation, aortic valve (AV) repair and AV sparing root reconstruction viable alternatives to aortic valve replacement. Repair and preservation of the native valve avoids the use of long-term anticoagulation, lowers the incidence of subsequent thromboembolic events and reduces the risk of endocarditis. Additionally repair has a low operative mortality with reasonable mid-term durability. The success and longer term durability of AVPP has improved with surgical experience. An understanding of the mechanism of the AR is integral to determining feasibility and success of an AVPP. Assessment of AV morphology, anatomy of the functional aortic annulus (FAA) and the aortic root with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) improves the understanding of the mechanisms of AR. Pre- and intra-operative TEE plays a pivotal role in guiding case selection, surgical planning, and in evaluating procedural success. Post-operative transthoracic echocardiography is useful to determine long-term success and monitor for recurrence of AR.     

Ventricular energetics in aortic root replacement for annuloaortic ectasia with aortic regurgitation

Aortic root replacement (Bentall operation) is the standard operation for patients who have lesions of the ascending aorta associated with aortic valve disease. We analyzed the mid-term results for left ventricular energetics after the Bentall operation for annuloaortic ectasia with aortic regurgitation. We measured left ventricular contractility (end-systolic elastance; Ees), afterload (effective arterial elastance; Ea), and efficiency (ventriculoarterial coupling; Ea/Ees, and the ratio of stroke work and pressure-volume area; SW/PVA) based on transthoracic echocardiography data before, after, and approximately 1 year after the Bentall operation in 15 patients with annuloaortic ectasia with aortic regurgitation. Left ventricular volume was calculated by the Teichholz M-mode method. Ees and Ea were approximated as follows: Ees = mean blood pressure/minimal left ventricular volume, and Ea = systolic blood pressure/(maximal left ventricular volume — minimal left ventricular volume). Ea/Ees and SW/PVA were then calculated. Left ventricular volume was normalized with body surface area. Ees increased after the Bentall operation and around 1 year later (from 2.17 ± 1.09 to 3.92 ± 2.26 and 5.33 ± 1.90 mmHg·m²/ml, P < 0.001), thus resulting in an improvement in SW/PVA (from 68.8 ± 8.2 to 70.9 ± 9.5 and 74.7 ± 5.2%, P = 0.045). Ea also increased after the Bentall operation and 1 year later (from 1.77 ± 0.61 to 2.88 ± 1.28 and 3.54 ± 1.43 mmHg·m²/ml, P < 0.001). The mid-term results for ventricular contractility and efficiency after the Bentall operation for annuloaortic ectasia with aortic regurgitation are excellent and satisfactory.     

Pregnancy in patients with pulmonary autograft valve replacement

AIMS: The purpose of this study is to determine the outcome and complicationsof pregnancy in women with pulmonary autograft valve replacementfor aortic valve disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: The records of all women who had undergone pulmonary autograftvalve replacement at the National Heart Hospital (now RoyalBrompton Hospital) since 1968 were reviewed. From 1968 to 1993,27 hospital survivors were female and among eight of them therewere 14 pregnancies. All women were in Ability Index 1 at timeof pregnancy with normal ventricular function, mild aortic regurgitation(six), mild pulmonary regurgitation (three) and mild pulmonarystenosis (two). None took anticoagulants. There was no maternaldeath, thromboembolic or haemorrhagic event or evidence of deteriorationin valve function during pregnancy. Except for one woman (AbilityIndex 3) who developed dilated cardiomyopathy without aorticor pulmonary valve disease 6 months after delivery, the womenremained in Ability Index 1 after pregnancy. There was no significantprogression of aortic regurgitation (mild after seven pregnancies),pulmonary regurgitation (mild after six) or right-sided obstruction(mild after four). Reoperation for right-sided obstruction wascarried out in two patients 4 and 7 years after a second pregnancy(9 and 15 years after the pulmonary autograft). CONCLUSIONS: No valve-related complications occurred during pregnancy andpregnancy appeared to have no effect on the function of thepulmonary valve autograft or the right-sided homograft. Thepulmonary autograft is thus an ideal procedure for a young femaleneeding aortic valve replacement.     

Aortic valve repair for aortic regurgitation: intermediate-term results in patients with tricuspid morphology

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Surgical results after aortic valve repair in patients with aortic regurgitation (AR) of tricuspid valve morphology and with no evidence of aortic root disease have not yet been clarified. METHODS: Between January 1994 and June 2001, aortic valve repair was performed in 40 patients (eight females, 32 males; mean age 61.0 +/- 10.5 years) of this type. Surgical results and follow up data were summarized after aortic valve repair (for AR) in these patients. RESULTS: One patient died in hospital (mortality 2.5%). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 143.5 +/- 47.4 min, and mean aortic cross-clamp time 99.8 +/- 34.3 min. At follow up, the mean AR grade was 1.5 +/- 0.8 and mean NYHA class 1.0 +/- 0; both parameters showed significant improvement compared to preoperative status (p < 0.0001). Survival was 94.9% at one year and 82.6% at five years. The five-year reoperation-free rate was 87%. CONCLUSION: Aortic valve repair for AR in patients with tricuspid valve morphology is a safe procedure that provides good intermediate-term results.     

先天性主动脉瓣膜狭窄患儿行直视下主动脉瓣交界切开术的早中期结果

目的直视下主动脉瓣交界切开成形术是治疗婴儿及儿童期先天性主动脉瓣狭窄的重要方式,本研究评估其手术早期及中期疗效。方法回顾性分析了1998年3月至2011年6月间3个月～14岁患儿因先天性主动脉瓣狭窄在我院行直视下主动脉瓣交界切开手术的病例。入选病例除主动脉瓣狭窄,不合并左心其它水平梗阻,但可合并其它简单先天性心脏畸形。术前、术后及门诊随访中行超声心动评估。观察术后早期及随访期间的转归和主动脉瓣功能。结果本组患儿共30例,其中男性23例(76.7%),年龄42.2月(3月～9.6岁),体重(15.4±7.9)Kg。单纯主动脉瓣狭窄12例(40.0%),合并简单先天性心脏畸形18例。主动脉瓣收缩期跨瓣压差平均(73.3±26.7)mmHg,无主动脉瓣中量以上返流。全组体外循环时间平均66分钟(35～146分钟),主动脉阻断时间平均41分钟(15～104分钟)。本组无住院期间死亡。出院时主动脉瓣收缩期跨瓣压差(31.4±20.0)mmHg,中度以上残余狭窄3例(3/30,10.0%),无中量以上返流。有随访资料27例(90%)。中位随访期限为18个月(1月～12.4年)。随访期间死亡1例(3.7%),全组无再次主动脉瓣手术/介入干预。心功能NYHAIII级1例(3.7%),其余均为NYHAI级。主动脉瓣收缩期跨瓣压差(48.5±36.3)mmHg,主动脉瓣中量返流2例(7.4%)。术后主动脉瓣环直径增加率(2.43±2.11)mm/年。结论婴儿期和儿童期因主动脉瓣狭窄行直视下主动脉瓣交界切开术的患儿手术安全性高,早中期疗效满意。     

Pulmonary hypertension and long-term mortality in aortic and mitral regurgitation

Background

Outcomes data in patients with aortic regurgitation or mitral regurgitation have been limited to small series with generally <10 years of follow-up. The quantitative impact of pulmonary artery hypertension has not been well described. The purpose of this study was to describe the 15-year mortality of aortic regurgitation and mitral regurgitation.

Methods

Our institution's electronic echocardiography database was queried to identify those patients examined in 1992 and reported to have at least mild aortic regurgitation or mitral regurgitation. Patients were classified by semi-quantitative degree of regurgitation. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure was categorized as normal, borderline, mild, or moderate or greater hypertension (pulmonary artery systolic pressure >40 mm Hg). Age-stratified Cox proportional hazards models compared survival among groups and adjusted for sex, depressed left ventricular ejection fraction, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure. Mortality data were obtained from the 2008 Social Security Death Index.

Results

Of 4984 echocardiograms performed in 4050 patients, 1156 patients (28%; aged 72 ± 14 years) had at least mild aortic regurgitation and 1971 patients (49%; aged 69 ± 16 years) had at least mild mitral regurgitation. Overall 15-year mortality in patients with aortic regurgitation was 74% and similar for all grades of aortic regurgitation. Overall 15-year mortality in patients with mitral regurgitation was 71% and got progressively worse with increasing severity grade of mitral regurgitation (63% for mild to 81% for at least moderate-to-severe). For both aortic and mitral regurgitation, moderate or greater pulmonary artery systolic hypertension was associated with increased mortality (in patients with aortic regurgitation, hazard ratio [HR], 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58-2.41, and in mitral regurgitation patients, HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.26-1.75).

Conclusion

Long-term (15-year) survival of patients with aortic regurgitation is poor and is independent of regurgitation severity. In contrast, long-term survival of patients with mitral regurgitation correlates with regurgitation severity. For both groups, moderate or greater pulmonary artery systolic hypertension identified those at highest risk.     

Mid-term Outcomes in Nonelderly Adults Undergoing Surgery for Isolated Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis: Results From Two Canadian Centers

BackgroundLittle is known about the mid-term prognosis of nonelderly patients (≤60 years) after the surgical treatment of isolated aortic valve infective endocarditis (IE). Better characterization of these outcomes could help in tailoring the surgical management in these patients.MethodsFrom 2000 to 2015, 164 adult patients ≤60 years of age (mean 46 ± 11 years, 81% male) underwent surgical treatment for isolated aortic valve IE in 2 high-volume Canadian centers. Twenty-three patients (14%) were intravenous drug users (IVDUs). Patients with recurrent IE or concomitant endocarditis on other valves were excluded. The aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical prosthesis (44%), a tissue valve (30%), a homograft (18%), or a Ross procedure (9%). Mean follow-up was 6.2 ± 4.6 years (92% complete).ResultsThirty-day mortality was 7%. Actuarial survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 80 ± 3% and 71 ± 4%, respectively. IVDU (hazard ratio [HR] 3.8, 95% CI 1.4-10.1; P = 0.01) and prosthetic valve endocarditis (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.4; P = 0.04) were associated with increased mid-term mortality. Mid-term survival was best in non-IVDU patients with native valve endocarditis, yet lower than a matched elective aortic valve replacement (AVR) population. Overall, freedom from recurrence of IE at 1, 5, and 10 years was 94 ± 2%, 91 ± 3%, and 89 ± 3%, respectively. IVDU was associated with higher rates of recurrence, especially in the first year after surgery.ConclusionsIn nonelderly adults undergoing surgery for aortic valve IE, mid-term survival is suboptimal. Although non-IVDU patients with native valve endocarditis have better mid-term outcomes, survival remains lower than a matched population of elective AVR in nonelderly patients.     

主动脉瓣四叶瓣畸形合并主动脉瓣病变的外科处理

目的 探讨主动脉瓣四叶瓣畸形对主动脉瓣功能的影响及其外科治疗.方法 2000年1月至2013年1月,我院通过经胸超声心动图和术中病理诊断主动脉瓣四叶瓣畸形13例.其中4例主动脉瓣的功能基本正常,9例合并主动脉瓣病变：重度关闭不全7例,重度关闭不全伴狭窄2例,合并二尖瓣中度关闭不全2例,三尖瓣中重度关闭不全1例.结果 13例患者中4例主动脉瓣功能正常者,继续随访中.9例合并主动脉瓣病变者,均行主动脉瓣置换术,同期行二尖瓣成形术2例、三尖瓣成形术1例.围术期无严重并发症及早期死亡,均康复出院.术后平均随访（6.34±5.17）年,心彩超提示主动脉瓣功能良好,无远期死亡.结论 主动脉瓣四叶瓣畸形是一种少见的先天性畸形,超声心动图有助于早期诊断.主动脉瓣功能正常时,可以随访;当合并主动脉瓣功能障碍时,应及时行主动脉瓣置换或修复,手术后可获得良好的远期效果.     

经股动脉经导管主动脉瓣置换术治疗单纯主动脉瓣关闭不全

【摘要】 目的 探讨Venus-A支架瓣膜行经股动脉经导管主动脉瓣置换术治疗单纯主动脉瓣关闭不全患者的可行性。方法 回顾性调阅2018年12月至2019年12月在阜外医院接受经股动脉经导管主动脉瓣置换术的15例单纯主动脉瓣关闭不全患者的床资料。其中男性12例, 女性3例,年龄68—83岁,平均年龄(74.65±5.52)岁。患者术前均有左心功能不全症状,且术前心脏超声诊断均为单纯主动脉瓣重度返流。结果 患者行经股动脉经导管主动脉瓣置换术。所有病例成功植入Venus-A支架瓣膜。全组病例无死亡。出院前对患者进行临床评估和超声心动图检查。术中行瓣中瓣治疗3例,少量瓣周返流2例。其余病人均无明显瓣周返流,并且顺利出院。结论 经股动脉经导管主动脉瓣置换术治疗单纯主动脉瓣关闭不全患者是可行的,术后早期结果满意。