Clinical Result of Aortic Valve Replacement

Choi, Soon Ho; Yang, Hyun Woong; Kim, Eun Gyu; Chui, Jong Bum

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to analyze the early and intermediate-term performance of aortic valve replacement. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between January 1986 and January 1996, records of 61 consecutive patients who had received aortic valve replacement were reviewed. 38 were male and 23 were female patients, ranging from 10 to 71 years of age (mean: 40.5+/-11.2). RESULTS: The early death rate was 4.9% (3/61). A thorough follow-up rate of 93.1% was accomplished in these 58 patients who left the hospital (mean: 51.5+/-32.0 patient-months) under the assistance of the same operator. Three of these patients who left the hospital died. The late death rate was 5.2% (3/58). Five patients experienced anticoagulant-related hemorrhage (all were minor). Three patients had thromboembolic episodes. There was no clinical evidence of hemolysis and structural failure of valves used. Of those patients who survived, the NYHA functional class improved significantly. Linearized rate were 1.58%/patient-year and 2.0%/patient-year respectively for thromboembolism and anticoagulant-related hemorrhage. The 10 year actuarial survival rate was 83.6%.
CONCLUSION
This early and intermediate-term follow-up suggests that the mechanical valve is a reliable and durable prosthesis with good hemodynamic function and low rate of prosthesis-related complication.