Structural Durability in Carpentier Edwards Standard Bioprosthesis in the Mitral Position: A 20-Year Experience
Hervé Corbineau MD, François Bernard Du Haut Cilly MD, Thierry Langanay MD, Jean-Philippe Verhoye MD, Alain Leguerrier MD

A total of 139 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement with the Carpentier-Edwards Standard bioprosthesis between 1978 and 1987 was reviewed. Mean age at implant was 59.6 ± 14.7 years (range: 17-79 years). Total follow up was 1,078.7 patient-years (pt-yr) (mean 8.4 ± 4.1 years). Structural valve deterioration (SVD) occurred in 30 patients (2.8%/pt-yr). For this subgroup of 30 patients, the mean interval between implantation and SVD was 9.0 ± 2.7 years, and was independent of the patientŐs age at the time of implant. There was a significant increase in the risk of SVD in young subjects, but more frequent detection of SVD was not related to longer follow up. Over the age of 65 years, the risk of SVD no longer varied with age and was a rare complication. In conclusion, the mean time to onset of SVD was independent of patient age at the time of implant. After 65 years, the risk of SVD was low, without significant variation. The Carpentier-Edwards Standard bioprosthesis may be used in the mitral position in subjects over the age of 65 years, and with a low risk of deterioration.