Truly stentless xenopericardial aortic valve replacement as an alternative to standard aortic valve replacements

Aim: The study was to determine the feasibility and safety of truly stentless aortic valve replacement with bovine pericardium sutured directly onto the aortic wall by using a holding device. Methods: Seven patients with pronounced aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease who underwent aortic valve leaflets plasty with a xenopericardial patch by means of a holding device combined with CABG were recruited. Results: The aortic valve was successfully re-paired in 7 patients. A normal function of the valve was confirmed by echocardiographic data obtained in all patients. No complications were observed during follow-up. Mean hospital stay was 17 (13; 35) days. No reoperation for the aortic valve was performed during follow-up. Hospital mortality was 0%. Mean follow-up was 759 days. Long-term survival rate was 86%. Freedom from structural valve deterioration, thromboembolism, endocarditis and reoperation ran to 100%. The peak gradient across the aortic valve in the late period was 30 (26; 42) mm Hg, peak speed amounted to 3 (2.8; 3.2), mean aortic regurgitation grade was 1 ±0.1 degree. Conclusion: Truly stentless xenopericardial aortic valve replacement is a good alternative to standard aortic valve replacement. This method is safe with regard to freedom from reoperations, degenerative valve changes, thromboembolism, endocarditis in the early and late postoperative periods.