Background: After 35 years of cardiac valve replacement, the ideal substitute remains to be found. Homografts are considered best but, due to their scarcity, cannot meet the need of valve replacement. Artificial valves (mechanical or biological) remain the most commonly used but controversy is still present as to the better choice. We tested the Carpentier-Edwards bioprosthesis for its efficacy in valve replacement operations.
Methods: From 1983 to 1995, 1,108 consecutive patients had an isolated aortic valve replacement with a porcine Carpentier-Edwards bioprosthesis, model 2650 supraannular valve. Mean age was 73.8+/-8.3 years. Aortic stenosis was the most common lesion (1,049 patients, 94.7%). The follow-up of 980 operative survivors was 96% complete and represented a total of 4,735 patient-years (maximum, 13.8 years; mean, 4 years and 10 months).
Results: Actuarial survival including operative mortality (128 patients, 11.6%) was 43.6%+/-2.3% at 10 years and 27.3%+/-3.3% at 12 years and, at that time, was not statistically different from those of the normal French population matched for age and sex. Structural deterioration of the valve was observed in 27 patients, an actuarial freedom of 94.2%+/-1.5% at 10 years and 83.8%+/-4.5% at 12 years. Hazard function revealed a stable and low risk of structural deterioration until 10 years and significantly increased risk after that. Young age was found to be an increasing risk factor of deterioration. Reoperation for valve-related complications was necessary in 30 patients, an actuarial freedom of 94.5%+/-1.4% at 10 years.
Conclusions: The Carpentier-Edwards porcine supraannular valve affords a good durability up to 10 years, with a low rate of reoperation. The risk of structural deterioration decreases with older age. It is our valve of choice in elderly patients.