No abstract

Objective: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is generally considered to be a contraindication to sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and perioperative outcomes of this technique in patients with BAV.Methods: From June 2011 to January 2014, a total of 25 patients who underwent sutureless AVR had documented BAV. Thirteen patients (52%) had median sternotomy, and 12 patients (48%) a minimally invasive approach. Results:The study population included 17 (68%) men with a median age of 77.8 AE 5.4 years. The mean EuroSCORE II was 3.4% AE 2.6%. Concomitant procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting in 8 patients (32%), 2 AVRs (8%), 1 mitral valve repair (4%), 1 septal myomectomy (4%), and 1 atrial septal defect closure (4%). The mean transaortic valve gradient decreased from 49.4 AE 15.7, to 14.5 AE 5.4 mm Hg postoperatively. The mean aortic valve area increased from 0.78 AE 0.18, to 1.75 AE 0.43 cm 2 postoperatively. Five patients (20%) suffered from atrioventricular block that required permanent pacemaker implantation. Two patients (8%) suffered a stroke. No major paravalvular leakage occurred, and no postoperative valve migration. In-hospital mortality occurred in 1 patient (4%). The mean intensive care unit length of stay was 3 AE 2 days postoperatively.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a sutureless aortic valve can be deployed in patients with BAV without increasing the risk of paravalvular leakage. BAV should not be considered a contraindication to sutureless AVR.

Use of an extra-aortic annuloplasty ring is effective at reducing annular diameters. This remains stable at mid-term follow-up, with preservation of aortic annular dynamics. Longer-term studies are required to determine the continued stability and impact on long-term clinical outcomes.