Early Postoperative Outcome and Hemodynamic Performance of the Sorin Pericarbon Stentless Aortic Valve
Massimo Bonacchi MD, Gabriele Giunti MD, Edvin Prifti MD, Carlo Rostagno MD, Mauro Bini MD, Giacomo Frati MD, Guido Sani MD

Between November 1999 and December 2000, 34 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with the Sorin Stentless bioprosthesis were enrolled in a prospective, non-randomized study. At hospital discharge and at six-month follow up all patients underwent Doppler-echocardiography: the transvalvular peak gradient and mean left ventricular mass (indexed) were each significantly decreased. At six-month follow up, 20 patients underwent echo-Doppler stress testing: peak transvalvular gradient was increased (not significantly) during at peak exercise. The excellent early postoperative outcome in this series encourages the use of this prosthesis. Long-term follow up and further evaluations are required with regard to hemodynamic performance and durability.