The implantation of bioprosthetic heart valves have increased dramatically due to the aging population and the widespread application of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). TAVR is increasingly being used in younger, lower-risk patients with a longer life expectancy, so it is important to overcome structural valve degeneration and ensure long-term TAVR durability. Although the mid-term durability results of the TAVR valve are encouraging, its long-term durability needs to be further explored. This article will mainly introduce the influencing factors of TAVR valve durability, evaluation criteria for structural valve degeneration, clinical research results related to TAVR valve durability, and problems to be solved.
ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical result of a combined technical system for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair. MethodsPatients who diagnosed as BAV and sever aortic regurgitation (AR) underwent a strategy of combined repair technics including annuloplasty, sinus plasty, leaflet plasty, sinus-tubular junction (STJ) plasty depending on anatomy pathological characteristics between October 2019 and January 2021 were enrolled. The clinical data of the patients were analyzed.ResultsA total of 17 patients were enrolled. There were 11 males and 6 females with an average age of 18-49 (32.4±13.6) years. Fifteen patients had typeⅠand 2 patients had typeⅡBAV according to Sievers classification. Annuloplasty was applicated in 13 patients, sinus plasty in 8 patients, leaflet plasty in 17 patients, and STJ plasty in 11 patients, respectively. The cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 95 (84, 135) min, aortic cross-clamping time was 68 (57, 112) min, and the ICU stay time was 17 (12, 25) h. After the operation, mild AR was presented in 14 patients, moderate AR in 1 patient and severe AR in 2 patients. The latter 3 patients underwent second operation under CPB, after then, 1 patient had mild AR and 2 patients had moderate AR. The follow-up time was 13.1±4.6 months. At the latest follow-up, 12 patients had mild AR and 5 patients had moderate AR, and no patient had reoperation. ConclusionA combined technical system for BAV repair can be used effectively and safely with an acceptable short and middle-term result.
Objective To study and test novel hybrid valves in vitro and in vivo, and provide basis for clinical use in future. Methods The hybrid valves were fabricated from decellularized porcine aortic valves coated with poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3hydroxyhexanoate, PHBHHx).（1）In the mechanical test in vitro, the uniaxial tensile biomechanics test of the fresh (n=12), uncoated (n=12) and hybrid valve leaflets (n=12) were investigated. (2）In study in vivo, hybrid valves(n=5) implanted in pulmonary position in sheep without cardiopulmonary bypass. Uncoated grafts (n=5) used as control. The specimens of the hybrid or uncoated valve in sheep were explanted and examined by scanning electron microscopy, histology, calcium content and immunofluorescence staining 18 weeks after surgery. Results The mechanical test in vitro revealed that coating with PHBHHx increased maximal tensile strength of hybrid valves compared with the fresh and uncoated state (P＜0.05). The results in vivo indicated the hybrid valves maintained original shape and softness. Immunofluorescence staining for CD31 confirmed that the surface of hybrid valve was covered by confluent CD31+ cells.The interstitium of hybrid valve indicated that smooth muscle actin (SMA)+ cells population were similar to native valvular tissue. The calcium content of hybrid valve was significantly lower than that of uncoated valve leaflets (P＜0.05). Conclusion Decellularized porcine aortic valves coated with PHBHHx have good biological and biomechanical characteristics. The hybrid valve may provide superior valve replacement with current techniques.
Objective To analyze the early prognosis of repairing adult aortic insufficiency with the Florida sleeve procedure. Methods The patients with aortic insufficiency who underwent Florida sleeve repair in the Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University between August 2020 and May 2024 were selected. Their general data, perioperative conditions, and echocardiographic data before, during, and after the procedure and at follow-up were analyzed. Results Fifteen patients were included, consisting of 12 males and 3 females, aged 33-71 (53.5±12.4) years. Preoperative echocardiography indicated that there was 1 patient of rheumatic disease, 7 patients of degenerative disease, 4 patients secondary to aortic aneurysm, and 3 patients of bicuspid aortic valve. The severity distribution included 2 patients of severe insufficiency, 4 patients of moderate-to-severe insufficiency, 5 patients of moderate insufficiency, and 4 patients of mild-to-moderate insufficiency. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was (135.0±40.0) minutes, the aortic cross-clamp time was (109.9±38.6) minutes, and the median ICU stay was 1.0 day. No mortality was recorded within 30 days postoperatively. Follow-up echocardiography showed that the valve regurgitation, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and sinus diameter all achieved the desired outcomes. Conclusion Florida sleeve repair for aortic valve in patients with a sinus diameter less than 50 mm not only effectively improves hemodynamics in adults with aortic insufficiency, but also has the advantages of low surgical risk and rapid postoperative recovery, making it a promising procedure for clinical application.
ObjectiveTo analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of subclinical leaflet thrombosis (SLT) after percutaneous aortic valve replacement using balloon-expandable valve (Sapien3, S3). Methods Retrospective analysis was made on 62 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing percutaneous aortic valve replacement using S3 in our center from September 2020 to June 2022. Patients with a history of vascular atherosclerosis or with significant increase or insignificant decrease of aortic valve flow or gradient pressure during follow-up were selected for CT examination. Results A total of 26 patients were finally included, with an average age of 70.31±8.90 years, and the male proportion was higher (n=15, 57.69%). Among them, 5 patients had SLT. Compared with the non-SLT group, patients in the SLT group were older (68.52±8.80 years vs. 77.80±4.66 years, P=0.007). The age factor (≥75 years) and the diameter of the ascending aorta were associated with SLT (both P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence of SLT is higher in the elderly patients. It is speculated that SLT is related to the characteristics of short balloon dilation valves and low blood flow dynamics of valve racks.