Immediate Outcomes of Aortic Valve Replacement with Sutureless versus Stentless Bioprosthesis

Background and aim of the study: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) with a sutureless valve is an innovative therapy in high-risk elderly patients. The study aim was to compare the early results of AVR using sutureless aortic valves or stentless aortic bioprostheses.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 55 patients who underwent AVR with either a sutureless valve (Perceval S; n = 24 or Edwards Intuity; n = 9) or a stentless valve (Sorin Freedom SOLO™; n = 22).

Results: Baseline patient characteristics were similar in both groups, except for NYHA class. Concomitant procedures were performed in 17 patients (51.5%) of the sutureless group and in nine patients (40.9%) of the stentless group (p = 0.44). The aortic cross-clamp time was 55 ± 23 min in the sutureless group and 102 ± 36 min in the stentless group (p <0.0001), while the postoperative

peak aortic gradient was 19.5 ± 5.0 mmHg and 29.3 ± 15.4 mmHg for the sutureless group and stentless group, respectively (p = 0.037). The postoperative mean gradient was 9.3 ± 3.4 mmHg for the sutureless group and 15.1 ± 10.5 mmHg for the stentless group (p = 0.06). Blood product transfusion was required less frequently by the sutureless group, but drainage and bleeding was similar in both groups. The intensive care unit and hospital stays were significantly shorter in favor of the sutureless group. One sutureless patient (3.0%) and two stentless patients (9.1%) died in hospital (p = 0.557).

Conclusion: Early results of the present study suggested that surgical AVR with a sutureless valve is associated with a good hemodynamic performance and an improved early outcome.

The Journal of Heart Valve Disease 2016;25:21-27