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PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of outcomes in patients with active infective endocarditis and a paravalvular abscess on a prosthetic valve versus a native valve.

We investigated in-hospital and long-term mortality in 16 patients with infective endocarditis and paravalvular abscess on a prosthetic valve (6 of whom underwent surgery) and in 12 patients with infective endocarditis and paravalvular abscess on a native valve (8 of whom underwent surgery). The only significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality in patients with prosthetic or native value paravalvular abscess was age (P < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 33% in patients with prosthetic valve paravalvular abscess undergoing surgery and 33% in patients treated medically (P = not significant). In-hospital mortality was 25% in patients with native valve paravalvular abscess undergoing surgery and 25% in patients treated medically (P = not significant). At 4.8-year follow up, survival of patients with prosthetic valve paravalvular abscess was 67% for patients treated surgically versus 40% for patients treated medically (P = not significant). At 4.8-year follow up, survival of patients with native valve paravalvular abscess was 75% for patients treated surgically versus 50% for patients treated medically (P = not significant).

Abscess↗
PubMed1998

Dual-switch valve: clinical performance of a new hydrocephalus valve.

The Dual-Switch valve (DSV) is the first construction on the market which changes between two different valve-chambers in parallel depending on the posture of the patient. In the lying position the valve acts like a conventional differential pressure valve, in the vertical position the high-pressure chamber only opens, when the pressure exceeds the hydrostatic pressure difference between the formanen of Monro and the peritoneal cavity. The new device has been implanted in 32 adult patients with hydrocephalus of different etiology. The clinical results are excellent to good accompanied by a remarkable slight reduction of the ventricular size. Apart from one case with a nonsymptomatic transient hygroma, we saw no valve related complications like overdrainage, underdrainage or dysfunction. Contrary to conventional differential-pressure valves, adjustable devices and other hydrostatic constructions like the Anti-Siphon-device (ASD) or Deltavalve, the DSV reliably controls the IVP independently of the posture of the patient, the CSF viscosity or the subcutaneous pressure. In contrast to the Orbis-Sigma-valve (OSV) or the Diamond-valve, the DSV does not control the flow but the physiological IVP avoiding the increased risk of mechanical failure. The results of this study give strong evidence that the shunt-therapy of adult hydrocephalic patients can be significantly improved by the DSV.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Endoscopic venous valve transplantation with a valve-stent device.

In this report we describe the outcome of a 6-week study of the valve-stent device in a goat model. Six female goats underwent endoscopic subcutaneous harvest of a valve-containing segment of external jugular vein. This segment was sutured inside a 10-mm Wallstent (Schneider Inc., USA), and the device was compressed and loaded into a 12 Fr. introducer sheath and deployed through a venotomy into the contralateral external jugular vein. The animals were anticoagulated for 1 week and euthanized at 6 weeks. Flow studies, manual strip test, and angioscopic evaluation were performed prior to sacrifice. All six valve-stents were patent at harvest by Doppler flow studies, and five of six were competent as demonstrated by the manual strip test. At angioscopic evaluation, the valves were open. Gross and histologic examination revealed intact valve leaflets in five specimens. This technique is a minimally invasive approach to valve harvest and transplantation with a valve-stent device. We have demonstrated that valve-stent can remain patent and competent for up to 6 weeks. This technique may have potential application in venous valvular incompetence.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

New valves--new dangers? 22 valves (38 probes) designed in the 'nineties in ultralong-term tests (365 days)'.

UNLABELLED: In the nineties, more than 30 valves have been launched, most are "clones", but some introduce new concepts (Diamond, SiphonGuard, PaediGAV). Of the 22 designs we tested, 20 have no previous tests and 3 are low-cost valves from Mexico (Dewimed), Zimbabwe (Harare-shunt) and England (Nottingham Shunt). 27 were tested using non-stop-perfusions for 365 days, 8 for 168-294 and 3 for 2 days. RESULTS: Ranking of the mean relative deviation: adjustable valves 19%, gravitational 34%, simple ball 51%, diaphragm 73%, distal slit 74% and autoregulating valves 121%. Ranking of physiological flow properties: gravitational > Equiflow > autoregulating > adjustable > ball > diaphragm > distal slit. SAFETY: The Equiflow were highly susceptible to external pressure. CONCLUSION: Most valves designed in the nineties showed inaccuracy, long-term-drifts, safety deficits and hydraulic mismanagement similar to more than 400 previously tested probes. With regard to accuracy and drift the ball designs were superior, but simple and adjustable ball valves are at risk of overdrainage. The gravitational ball valves (Cordis GCA, Miethke valves) showed the closest relation to physiological flow requirements.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunts↗
PubMed2001

Do adjustable shunt valves pressure our budget? A retrospective analysis of 541 implanted Codman Hakim programmable valves.

Based on a retrospective study in which a total of 541 Codman Hakim Programmable Valves (CHPV) were implanted in 477 patients over a 6-year period, this cost analysis was performed. By using a valve with an adjustable opening pressure, valve exchange to alter the opening pressure and surgical evacuation of subdural haematomas and hygromas can be avoided. Dividing the added cost for using the CHPV by the cost of implanting a non-programmable Hakim valve results in 105.8 valve exchanges, which would have had to be avoided to break even financially. On 107 occasions a valve was adjusted by a magnitude of 50 mmH2O or more. This, if an adjustment of that magnitude is said to correspond to a valve exchange, is sufficient to break even. The analysis suggests that the extra cost of the valve is outweighed by the ability to adjust the opening pressure setting non-invasively.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Bladder function associated with posterior urethral valves after primary valve ablation or proximal urinary diversion in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively reviewed 2 series of patients with posterior urethral valves treated initially with valve ablation preceded by bilateral cutaneous ureterostomies or valve ablation alone to evaluate and compare bladder function behavior of each treatment group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1970 to 1983, 19 males 22 days to 21 months old with posterior urethral valves were treated with 1 of 2 initial surgical approaches, including upper tract diversion, delayed undiversion and ablation in 11 (group 1), and primary valve ablation only in 8 (group 2). Median patient age at the time of cutaneous urinary diversion and primary valve ablation for groups 1 and 2 was 7 and 9 months, respectively. Median duration of bladder defunctionalization was 48 months. All patients were evaluated urodynamically after initial ablation or re-functionalization of the bladder using standard rapid fill cystometry. Median patient age for groups 1 and 2 was 14 and 9.5 years, respectively, at the time of urodynamic testing 16 and 12.6 years, respectively, at followup. RESULTS: Urodynamic assessment revealed detrusor instability in 5 group 1 patients but in only group 2 1 patient. Group 2 patients had significantly lower median end filling pressure (4 versus 15 cm. water, p <0.03) and higher maximum bladder capacity (1.4 versus 0.8, p <0.005) than those in group 1. Group 1 patients had lower compliance than those in group 2 (median 15 versus 82 cm. water, p <0.05). Further analysis showed no difference between groups 1 and 2 in overall median voiding detrusor pressure at maximum flow (51 versus 52.6 cm. water, respectively). Cystometric detrusor under activity patterns were noted in 5 group 1 and 2 group 2 patients. Residual urine volumes were 17%, 31%, 19% and 8% of bladder capacity, respectively, in 2 group 1 and 2 group 2 patients. At final followup 5 group 1 and 2 group 2 patients had renal function deterioration. Two other group 1 patients and group 2 had progression to end stage renal failure. A higher ureteral reimplantation rate was noted in group 1 (63%) than group 2 (6%). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study revealed that long-term bladder function of patients with posterior urethral valves treated with temporary supravesical diversion is affected more adversely than those treated with valve ablation alone.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Relationship between valve opening pressure, body position, and intracranial pressure in normal pressure hydrocephalus: paradigm for selection of programmable valve pressure setting.

OBJECTIVE: There is little scientific basis for guidance in selecting the optimal valve for the treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus. The aim of this study was to determine the programmable valve opening pressure setting that would result in a slight reduction in intracranial pressure (ICP) after a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is implanted. We also assessed whether shunt-induced ICP could be predicted on the basis of a simple hydrodynamic equation. METHODS: In this prospective study of 11 patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus, ICP was measured before and after implantation of a shunt incorporating a programmable valve without an antisiphon device. Pressure measurements, including intraperitoneal pressure, were recorded at body angles ranging from 0 to 55 degrees and at valve settings ranging from 30 to 200 mm H(2)O. Measured ICP values were compared with values computed using a simple hydrodynamic equation. RESULTS: Even at a valve setting greater than the mean baseline ICP (200 mm H(2)O), the supine ICP was significantly lower than the baseline value (baseline ICP, 164 +/- 64 mm H(2)O; postoperative ICP, 125 +/- 69 mm H(2)O, P = 0.04). Valve pressure did not equate 1:1 with the measured postoperative ICP. Comprehensive ICP measurements at upright body positions demonstrated a stepwise reduction in ICP rather than a precipitous decline as a result of so-called siphoning. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that very high valve opening pressure settings may be optimal for the initial treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus. The relationship between ICP and opening pressure valves is linear but not predicted by simple hydrodynamics.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Heart valve replacement: which valve for which patient?

The ideal heart valve substitute would show no deterioration or thrombogenicity, offer no resistance to blood flow, and be easy to implant. However, such a valve does not exist and we must accept compromises in some of these qualities based on our patients' needs. In selection of cardiac valve prosthesis, valve-related factors such as durability, thrombogenicity, and fluid dynamics should be carefully matched to patient-related factors such as age, size, life expectancy, comorbidities, plans for pregnancy, and lifestyle. In addition, surgeon- or operation-related factors should be considered. Technical aspects of implantation, ease of reoperation, and operative mortalities may tip the risk and benefit balance in a particular direction. We review currently available heart valve prostheses and the clinical factors that are involved in selection of a heart valve substitute.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

[Intermediate results of aortic valve replacement using 19 mm bioprosthetic valve].

Pre- and postoperative hemodynamic parameters and activity of daily life were reviewed to estimate the effectiveness of the valve in 12 cases of single aortic valve replacement (AVR) using 19 mm bioprosthesis. All implanted prostheses were stented-valves. Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve was used in 7 cases and Mosaic valve in 5. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) significantly decreased from 167 +/- 36 to 133 +/- 27 g/m2 in the early postoperative period, and to 115 +/- 24 g/m2 in the intermediate phase. However, postoperative LVMI remained higher in patients with body surface area (BSA) over 1.5 m2 than in those under 1.5 m2. Postoperative activity indicated by New York Heart Association (NYHA) grade significantly improved from 2.3 +/- 1.1 to 1.4 +/- 0.5. These results indicates usefulness of 19 mm bioprosthetic valve for reducing left ventricular hypertrophy and improving activity, especially in patients with BSA smaller than 1.5 m2.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

[Valve repair surgery for incompetent bicuspid aortic valves].

BACKGROUND: Surgical valve repair is a good alternative for correction of incompetent bicuspid aortic valve. AIM: To report the early and late surgical, clinical and ecochardiographic results of surgical repair of incompetent bicuspid aortic valves. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of 18 patients aged 19 to 61 years, with incompetent bicuspid aortic valve in whom a valve repair was performed. Four patients had infectious endocarditis and 17 were in functional class I or II. Follow up ranged from 3 to 113 months after surgery. RESULTS: A triangular resection of the prolapsing larger cusp, which included the middle raphe, was performed in 17 cases; in 13 of these, a complementary subcommisural annuloplasty was performed. In the remaining case, with a perforation of the non-coronary cusp, a pericardial patch was implanted; this procedure was also performed in 2 other cases. In 3 cases large vegetations were removed. Postoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed no regurgitation in 11 patients (62%) and mild regurgitation in 7 (38%). There was no operative morbidity or mortality. There were no deaths during the follow-up period. In 3 patients (17%) the aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical prosthesis, 8 to 108 months after the first operation. Reoperation was not needed in 93%+/-6,4% at 1 year and 85%+/-9,5% at 5 years, these patients were all in functional class I at the end of the follow-up period. 60% had no aortic regurgitation, 20% had mild and 20% moderate aortic regurgitation on echocardiographic examination. A significant reduction of the diastolic diameter of the left ventricle was observed, but there were no significant changes in systolic diameter or shortening fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair of incompetent bicuspid aortic valves has low operative morbidity and mortality and has a low risk of reoperation.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Percutaneous pulmonary valve placement in a 10-month-old patient using a hand crafted stent-mounted porcine valve.

Percutaneous replacement of the pulmonary valve in a right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit using bovine jugular valves has recently been described as an alternative to surgical options in selected patients weighing >or=20 kg. We report the first case of transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in an infant and the first use of "off the shelf" components. A 12-mm (Hancock) porcine valve was sutured into a predilated Genesis 2510b stent. The valved stent was manually crimped and mounted on a 12-mm balloon. Snare-assisted deployment in the middle of the RV-PA conduit was accomplished without the use of a long sheath. After the initial deployment, a 14-mm balloon was used to further approximate the stent to the walls of the conduit. Short-term (11 month) follow-up has demonstrated continued valve integrity, markedly decreased right ventricular size and improved function and symptomatic improvement. At 10 months of age, this case represents the youngest patient to undergo percutaneous valve placement and documents the technical feasibility of the procedure.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed2005

Quantification of aortic valve area and left ventricular muscle mass in healthy subjects and patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis by MRI.

MRI allows visualization and planimetry of the aortic valve orifice and accurate determination of left ventricular muscle mass, which are important parameters in aortic stenosis. In contrast to invasive methods, MRI planimetry of the aortic valve area (AVA) is flow independent. AVA is usually indexed to body surface area. Left ventricular muscle mass is dependent on weight and height in healthy individuals. We studied AVA, left ventricular muscle mass (LMM) and ejection fraction (EF) in 100 healthy individuals and in patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis (AS). All were examined by MRI (1.5 Tesla Siemens Sonate) and the AVA was visualized in segmented 2D flash sequences and planimetry of the performed AVA was manually. The aortic valve area in healthy individuals was 3.9+/-0.7 cm(2), and the LMM was 99+/-27 g. In a correlation analysis, the strongest correlation of AVA was to height (r=0.75, p<0.001) and for LMM to weight (r=0.64, p<0.001). In a multiple regression analysis, the expected AVA for healthy subjects can be predicted using body height: AVA=-2.64+0.04 x(height in cm) -0.47 x w (w=0 for man, w=1 for female).In patients with aortic valve stenosis, AVA was 1.0+/-0.35 cm(2), in correlation to cath lab r=0.72, and LMM was 172+/-56 g. We compared the AS patients results with the data of the healthy subjects, where the reduction of the AVA was 28+/-10% of the expected normal value, while LMM was 42% higher in patients with AS. There was no correlation to height, weight or BSA in patients with AS. With cardiac MRI, planimetry of AVA for normal subjects and patients with AS offered a simple, fast and non-invasive method to quantify AVA. In addition LMM and EF could be determined. The strong correlation between height and AVA documented in normal subjects offered the opportunity to integrate this relation between expected valve area and definitive orifice in determining the disease of the aortic valve for the individual patient. With diagnostic MRI in patients with AS, invasive measurements of the systolic transvalvular gradient does not seem to be necessary.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Reoperation in mitral valve repair for regurgitant mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVES: Reviewing reoperative mitral valve repair, we evaluated a predictor for future reoperation by comparing degenerative and rheumatic mitral regurgitation. METHODS: From June 1988 to September 2002, 159 patients with mitral valve regurgitation underwent a variety of surgical reconstruction. Our 9 subjects--2 men and 7 women with a mean age of 55.3 years--including 1 undergoing initial repair at an other hospital, underwent reoperation for mitral valve lesions. Four patients had rheumatic (Group R) and 5 degenerative (Group D) mitral valve disease. We studied reoperative outcomes and initial procedures were retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean interval from initial repair was 111 months. Mitral valve lesions at reoperation in Group D were annular dilation in 3, leaflet prolapse in 1, and suture disruption in 1, while that in Group R involved severe thickening of both leafle. Rerepair was possible in 3 patients of Group D, but all others, (including Group R patients) required valve replacement. All survived reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Rerepair in rheumatic mitral regurgitation, rerepair was difficult. In degenerative mitral valve regurgitation, however, rerepair was possible because procedure-related origin was a major cause of reoperation. Reoperation can be prevented by proper technical improvement at initial repair.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Aortofemoral transfer function: a method to determine the instantaneous aortic valve gradient in aortic valve stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate the use of synthesized ascending aorta pressure, calculated from femoral artery pressure using an aortofemoral transfer function, in the assessment of aortic valve stenosis. BACKGROUND: Measurement of an accurate aortic valve gradient in patients with aortic stenosis often requires simultaneous recordings of ascending aorta and left ventricular pressures. The use of femoral artery pressure is considered to be a poor substitute for ascending aorta pressure. However, the aortic pressure wave can be calculated from the femoral artery pressure if the aortofemoral transfer function has been determined. METHOD: Femoral artery pressure from the side arm of an introducer sheath and ascending aorta pressure are recorded simultaneously and the data stored in a personal computer. An aortofemoral transfer function is determined from the ratio of the Fourier components of aortic and femoral pressures. Left ventricular and femoral artery pressures are then recorded. Using the previously determined transfer function, the simultaneous ascending aorta pressure is calculated from the femoral pressure. RESULTS: Ascending aorta pressure waveforms estimated from femoral artery pressure closely resembled the simultaneously recorded ascending aorta pressure. Mean aortic valve gradients calculated from the synthesized aortic pressure correlated well with the gradient measured from direct recordings of aortic pressure (r = 0.98). There was also a good relation between valve areas (r = 0.93) and valve resistances (r = 0.98) calculated using the two methods. CONCLUSIONS: Using current computer technology, accurate aortic valve gradients can be rapidly calculated using femoral artery pressure as a substitute for ascending aorta pressure. This technique will reduce the need and risks of multiple catheters to determine aortic valve gradients.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Severe mitral regurgitation due to mitral valve prolapse: risk factors for development, progression, and need for mitral valve surgery.

Patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) may develop severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and require valve surgery. Preliminary data suggest that high body weight and blood pressure might add to the irreversible factors of older age and male gender in increasing risk of these complications. Fifty-four patients with severe MR due to MVP were compared with 117 control subjects with uncomplicated MVP to elucidate factors independently associated with severe MR: the need for valve surgery and the cumulative risk of requiring mitral valve surgery. Patients with severe MR were older (p<0.00005), more overweight (p = 0.002), had higher systolic (p = 0.0003) and diastolic (p = 0.007) blood pressures, and were more likely to have hypertension (p = 0.0001) and to be men (p<0.001). In both groups, men had higher blood pressure and relative body weight than women. In multivariate analysis, older age was most strongly associated with MR; higher body mass index, hypertension, and gender were independent predictors of severe MR in analyses that excluded age. Among the 54 patients with severe MR, the 32 (59%) who underwent mitral valve surgery during 11 years of follow-up were older, more overweight, and more likely to be hypertensive than those not requiring surgery. Among patients undergoing mitral valve surgery in 3 centers, mitral prolapse was the etiology in 25%, 67% of whom were men. Using these data and national statistics, we estimate that the gender-specific cumulative risk for requiring valvular surgery for severe MR in subjects with MVP is 0.8% in women and 2.6% in men before age 65, and 1.4% and 5.5% by age 75. Thus, subjects with MVP who are older, more overweight, and hypertensive are at greater risk for severe MR and valve surgery. Higher blood pressure and relative weight in men with MVP appear to contribute to the gender difference in risk for severe MR.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Replacement of the aortic valve and ascending aorta with a valved stentless composite graft: technical considerations and early clinical results.

BACKGROUND: Replacement of the aortic valve and the ascending aorta with a conduit consisting of a mechanical valve and a Dacron tube has become a fairly common procedure. Commercially available conduits employing xenografts are rarely used for the same purpose, because if a reoperation becomes necessary due to degeneration of the valve prosthesis, usually the entire conduit must be replaced. A composite graft with a stentless valve, such as we describe in this article, avoids this problem, because in case of reoperation only the valve cusps need to be resected and the tube graft may be left in place. METHODS: Surgical technique of replacement of the aortic valve and the ascending aorta with a stentless composite graft and early results of the procedure are presented. RESULTS: Hemodynamics of the graft soon after surgery were excellent, with an average systolic gradient of 8 mm Hg and no regurgitation across the valve. There were two reoperations for bleeding in the early postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The stentless composite graft we describe provides excellent hemodynamics, has no need for anticoagulation, and is expected to offer a benefit in case of reoperation.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Cell composition of the human pulmonary valve: a comparative study with the aortic valve--the VESALIO Project. Vitalitate Exornatum Succedaneum Aorticum labore Ingegnoso Obtinebitur.

BACKGROUND: Cell populations present in human semilunar valves have not been investigated thoroughly. The aim of this study was to characterize the cell phenotypes in pulmonary valve leaflets (PVL) in comparison with aortic (AVL) valve leaflets. METHODS: AVL and PVL were dissected from hearts (n = 4) harvested from transplanted patients. Leaflets were processed for immunocytochemistry analysis and Western blotting procedures using a panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for cytoskeletal/contractile antigens. RESULTS: The fibrosa and the ventricularis layers of AVL had a higher cellularity than PVL. In PVL and AVL most cells were reactive for vimentin and nonmuscle (NM) myosin, though vimentin-positive cells were more abundant in AVL than in PVL. Sparse cells positive to anti-smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin, calponin, and anti-SM myosin antibodies were found only at the outer edge of fibrosa. In Western blotting, AVL and PVL extracts were shown to be equally reactive for vimentin, SM alpha-actin, and NM myosin, whereas both valves were negative for SM myosin and SM22. CONCLUSIONS: Three distinct cell phenotypes have been identified in both valves: fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and fetal-type SM cells whose distribution is specifically related to the valve layers. Although PVL and AVL cell populations differ quantitatively, some minor qualitative differences exist for vimentin and NM myosin distribution. These data are essential for studies aimed at repopulating valve scaffolds by using tissue engineering technology.

Actins↗
PubMed2002

Replacing the ascending aorta and aortic valve for acute prosthetic valve endocarditis: is using prosthetic material contraindicated?

BACKGROUND: The use of prosthetic material (rather than a homograft) for ascending aorta/aortic valve replacement (Bentall procedure) in cases of acute prosthetic valve endocarditis is controversial. We report favorable results using this technique almost exclusively (a homograft was used in only 3 patients with hematological problems) during a 12-year interval. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (55 +/- 14 years; 22 male) underwent a Bentall procedure for acute prosthetic valve endocarditis between 1988 and 2000. Twenty-five patients had undergone previous aortic valve replacement (1 with concomitant mitral valve replacement, 4 with coronary artery bypass grafting), and 3 had had a previous Bentall operation. The median interval between initial surgery and reoperation was 13 months (range, 1 to 106). Sixty-eight percent of operations were urgent or emergencies. Ninety-three percent of patients had significant aortic regurgitation; complete annuloaortic dehiscence occurred in 71%, and in 57%, an abscess was found. Causative organisms were identified in 25 of 28 patients: Staphylococcus epidermidis (9), Staphylococcus aureus (7), Streptococcus viridans (6), Pseudomonas (2), and Legionella (1). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients had mechanical and 5 had biological valves implanted during the Bentall procedure. Hypothermic circulatory arrest was used in 64%. Hospital mortality was 11%: there was one intraoperative death, and two before discharge (one cardiac, one sepsis). Eighty-nine percent survived without stroke. During follow-up (median, 44.5 months; complete in 92%), 1 patient died of recurrent endocarditis at 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that prosthetic root replacement may be superior to use of a homograft for acute aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis, with only a 4% incidence of recurrent endocarditis and reoperation.

Adult↗