Evaluation of bioprosthetic valve for small aortic root in elderly patients

The hemodynamics of stentless bioprostheses are superior to those of mechanical valves, especially for patients with a small aortic root. Between March 1999 and July 2001, we implanted 18 Freestyle stentless porcine valves using our technique of repeated division of the space by halving the distance. Seven patients received 19-21-mm valves and 11 received 23-25-mm valves. Clinical data and early and midterm outcomes of both groups were compared. The mean preoperative echocardiography gradient of the small valve group was 84.7 mm Hg, and when discharged from hospital, the mean gradient was 14.8 mm Hg. One operative death was encountered due to arrhythmia. This stentless porcine prosthesis has excellent hemodynamics and can be implanted safely and easily, even in elderly patients with a small aortic root, using our suture technique.