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How to cite: Metras D. (1994). Valvular heart disease: the influence of changing etiology on nosology. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 692–693.

The mitral Ionescu-Shiley standard-profile prosthesis of a 53-year-old woman who had it placed 12 years previously is described. The observed cicatricial retraction of one of the bioprosthesis' cusps is unusual, and it contributed to the bioprosthetic dysfunction which necessitated this valve's replacement.

How to cite: Walley, V. M., Stinson, W. A., & Bedard, P. (1994). Cicatricial changes in a Ionescu-Shiley bioprosthesis. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 690–691.

A 25-year-old man presented with sudden onset right-sided hemiplegia. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms demonstrated a mobile mass attached to the anterior mitral leaflet. The mass was, however, not found at operation.

How to cite: Ofori, C. S., Sharma, B. N., Moore, L. C., Warshafsky, G., Bennett, R., & Gradman, A. H. (1994). Disappearing cardiac masses--the importance of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 688–689.

Previous work in our laboratory has demonstrated a simple, dynamic in vitro calcification method for studying bovine pericardial heart valves. The calcification produced closely resembled that found in clinical explant valves. The current study extends this technique to the porcine aortic bioprosthesis. Five Carpentier-Edwards porcine aortic bioprostheses were calcified in vitro in a modified wear tester. All valves calcified to a similar degree as bovine pericardial valves. Calcification predominated on the ribbed tissue structures near the commissures on the outflow surfaces. The same calcification pattern was seen in clinical explant valves. A number of anti-calcification modifications of porcine aortic valves were also investigated. These had all previously inhibited calcification of bovine pericardium in a rat subdermal implant model but had failed to reduce calcification in whole pericardial valves calcified in vitro under dynamic conditions. The modified porcine valves produced similar results: no modification achieved reduction of calcification on exposure to the functional valve calcification model. The dynamic in vitro calcification test has been shown to be useful for the study of both main types of bioprostheses, bovine pericardial and porcine aortic valves, and for the assessment of alterations to these biomaterials.

How to cite: Bernacca, G. M., Tobasnick, G., & Wheatley, D. J. (1994). Dynamic in vitro calcification of porcine aortic valves. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 684–687.

Since the introduction of bileaflet heart valve prostheses their clinical use has continued to escalate. The first of this valve type was the Standard St. Jude Medical (SSJM) prosthetic heart valve in 1977. The Carbomedics prosthetic heart valve (CPHV), introduced in the late 1980s, was intended to improve on the design of the SSJM bileaflet valve. The design changes in the CPHV valve, relative to the SSJM valve, may have the potential to affect its flow fields. This study, using flow visualization laser Doppler velocity measurements and color Doppler flow mapping, was intended to evaluate how these changes affect the flow fields in the near vicinity of the CPHV valve. The study was conducted in an in vitro pulse duplicator system. In the flow visualization study, the flow fields observed with the CPHV valve were quantitatively similar to those seen with the SSJM valve. Centralized jet-like flows with flow separation/stagnation were observed in the illuminated planes. The jet-like flows from the two lateral orifices were broader than that observed from the central orifice for both the CPHV and the SSJM valves. This fact implied that the major part of the volumetric flow was through the two lateral orifices, rather than the central orifice. In the laser Doppler velocity measurements, it was found that the flow field downstream of the SSJM valve was slightly more evenly distributed than that with the CPHV valve. In addition, the extent of the flow separation regions with the CPHV valve were slightly larger than with the SSJM valve. The slight differences in velocity profiles between the SSJM and the CPHV valves were due to the differences in leaflet opening angle. However, the levels of flow turbulence with the CPHV and the SSJM valves were found to be of the same order of magnitude. The results of the flow visualization and LDA velocity and turbulence measurements obtained in the study indicate that the differences in flow fields in the immediate vicinity of the CPHV valve relative to the SSJM valve are insignificant.

How to cite: Sung, H. W., Cape, E. G., & Yoganathan, A. P. (1994). In vitro fluid dynamic evaluation of the Carbomedics bileaflet heart valve prosthesis in the aortic and mitral positions. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 673–683.

Most patients undergoing double valve replacements have reduced myocardial capacity. However, little is known about the influence of valve sizes on myocardial energy consumption in double valve replacement. This study was designed to supply hydrodynamic data for the proper selection of sizes in double valve replacement. A mock loop system was used to measure the energy consumption of CarboMedics valves at conditions resembling rest (5 L/min) and moderate exercise (9 L/min). All combinations of aortic valves size #21 to #27 with mitral prosthesis sizes #25 to #29 were tested separately. Larger size aortic prostheses revealed remarkably less energy consumption up to size #27. Under high flow (9 L/min) this effect was more pronounced. In contrast, mitral valve prosthesis sizes #25 to #29 had similar hydrodynamic data. At low flow conditions (5 L/min) no significant benefit was found with the use of a larger mitral valve. Only a reduction of less than 10 percent of total energy consumption could be achieved with the use of a mitral valve larger than #25 at 9 L/min flow. In conclusion there is no hydrodynamic reason for using a valve larger than #25 in the mitral position for patients who exercise moderately. Continuous reduction of cardiac work can be expected with the use of the largest possible aortic prosthesis up to size #27 at rest and at moderate exercise.

How to cite: Strüber, M., Campbell, A., Richard, G., Borst, H. G., & Laas, J. (1994). Hydrodynamic performance of Carbomedics valves in double valve replacement. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 667–672.

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How to cite: Fisher J. (1994). Total energy loss in prosthetic valves. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 666.

Since March 1993 the Toronto SPVTM bioprosthesis has been implanted in 100 patients. Our prospective study evaluated the echocardiographic valve characteristics and the influence of the echocardiographic assessment on surgical technique. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was applied before and during surgery, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) postoperatively. The average valve size implanted was 26.5 mm. Follow up was complete in 74 patients at six months and in 38 patients at one year. Pre-cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) TEE valve sizing was accurate by +/- 1 mm in 81 patients as compared to mechanical sizing. Post-CPB valve closure was concentric in 99 patients. Minimal aortic incompetence was present in seven patients at one week, in two patients at six months and in one patient at one year. Mean pressure gradients ranged from 7.7 to 11.1 mmHg postoperatively. Overall mortality was 4%. One patient with non-structural dysfunction and another with endocarditis at one year postoperatively were reoperated successfully. At follow up there was a significant decrease in transvalvular pressure gradients and an increase in valve orifice areas. In 32 patients a decrease in left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) hypertrophy was found (p < 0.001). There was a decrease in tissue depth and recurrence of the dynamic movement of the aortic root. It is concluded that TEE valve sizing is reliable for early valve selection. Valve incompetence is not a clinically relevant issue using the oversizing technique. Improved hemodynamics at follow up can be explained by remodeling of the aortic root and by a decrease in left ventricular hypertrophy. The excellent hemodynamic profile, resembling native aortic valve function, is impressive and has to be confirmed by long term evaluation.

How to cite: Walther, T., Falk, V., Autschbach, R., Scheidt, A., Baryalei, M., Schindewolf, K., Dalichau, H., & Mohr, F. W. (1994). Hemodynamic assessment of the stentless Toronto SPV bioprosthesis by echocardiography. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 657–665.

Six hundred and nineteen consecutive patients had aortic valve replacement between January 1983 and January 1993 with the zero pressure fixed Biocor porcine bioprosthesis. Mean age was 66.2 years (range 17-88 years). Male/female ratio was 416/203. Concomitant cardiac procedures, mainly coronary bypass surgery, were performed in 35% (214/619). Early mortality was 5.9% (37/619). Late mortality was 15.8% (92/582). Actuarial survival at 10 years was 60.0 +/- 4.9% and freedom from valve-related mortality was 97.6 +/- 0.8%. Total follow up was 2308 years. The follow up was 99.2% complete. Thromboembolic rate was 1.1%/pty (fatal 0.1%/pty, major 0.3%/pty and minor 0.6%/pty). The incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis was 0.3%/pty (fatal 0.1%/pty). Freedom from reoperation due to structural valve deterioration, non-structural dysfunction and prosthetic valve endocarditis was 78.1 +/- 10.7%, 98.5 +/- 0.6% and 97.6 +/- 0.9%, respectively. The occurrence of structural valve deterioration varied considerably between age groups. In patients below 50 years of age the actuarial freedom from structural valve deterioration was 52.4 +/- 22.0%, while it was 96.2 +/- 1.1% for those between 71 and 80 years. At the 10-year follow up all patients had improved clinically. Preoperatively, 75% of the patients were in NYHA classes III or IV compared to 8% at the 10-year follow up. We conclude, that the Biocor bioprosthesis has a low rate of complications in terms of thromboembolism, anticoagulant-related bleeding, prosthetic valve endocarditis and valve-related mortality as compared to mechanical valves and also to other bioprostheses. The durability of the Biocor bioprosthesis has increased slightly compared to that reported with other, earlier models when inserted in patients above 50 years of age.

How to cite: Mykén, P. S., Caidahl, K., Larsson, S., & Berggren, H. E. (1994). 10-year experience with the Biocor porcine bioprosthesis in the aortic position. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 648–656.

Between October 1990 and June 1992, 89 patients underwent aortic valve replacement using the Intact porcine bioprosthesis. Their mean age (+/- SD) was 74.6 +/- 7.8 years (range 48 to 92). Seventy-five percent were in NYHA Class III-IV, 79 (89%) had AS or AS/AI, 10 (11%) had had previous cardiac surgery and 25 (32%) had an EF < 0.50. Associated procedures included CABG 45 (51%), septal myectomy 13 (15%), annular enlargement eight (9%), LV aneurysmectomy one, ascending aortic replacement one, and arch replacement one. Hospital mortality was four (4.5%). Hemodynamics were assessed with 2D echo with Doppler at seven days, six weeks and 12 months, and compared with 130 standard Carpentier-Edwards (C-E) porcine bioprostheses. At follow up, two patients have 2/4 perivalvular AI. The transvalvular gradients for the Intact valve were as follows: 21 mm-16.9 +/- 7.4 mmHg; 23 mm-18.9 +/- 6.2 mmHg; 25 mm-17.1 +/- 5.4 mmHg; 27 mm-15.0 +/- 3.7 mmHg; and 29 mm-15.0 +/- 2.1 mmHg. When compared to the standard Carpentier-Edwards porcine bioprostheses, the 21 mm Intact valve had the same gradient as the C-E prosthesis. However, the transvalvular gradients were slightly higher for the Intact valve for sizes 23-29 mm when compared to the corresponding C-E valve. The effective orifice area and effective orifice area index was no different between the two valves. Satisfactory hemodynamics are seen in the smaller prostheses when valves are matched for BSA and when aortic annular enlargement is performed when necessary.

How to cite: Mullany, C. J., Schaff, H. V., Orszulak, T. A., & Miller, F. A. (1994). Early clinical and hemodynamic evaluation of the aortic intact porcine bioprosthesis. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 641–647.

The Medtronic Intact porcine bioprosthesis was implanted in 274 patients, in 278 operations, between 1984 and 1992 inclusive. Of the total patient population, 171 patients had 175 aortic valve replacements (AVR), 75 had mitral valve replacement (MVR), two had tricuspid valve replacement and 26 had multiple valve replacement (MR). Concomitant procedures, primarily coronary artery bypass, was performed in 97 (34.9%). The follow up was 98.2% complete; total follow up was 758 patient-years, mean 2.8 years. The early mortality was 6.5% (18 patients) and the late mortality 4.0% per patient-year (30 patients). Of the late deaths, 10 were valve-related-thromboembolism (n = 2), anticoagulant-related hemorrhage (n = 1), prosthetic valve endocarditis (n = 4), non-structural dysfunction (n = 2), and structural valve deterioration (n = 1). Only one death occurred as a consequence of reoperation. The freedom from thromboembolism at six and eight years was-overall 86 +/- 4%; major 96 +/- 1%; fatal 99 +/- 1%. The overall linearized rate of thromboembolism was 3.0% per patient-year. The freedom from anticoagulant-related hemorrhage was 93 +/- 3%; non-structural dysfunction 87 +/- 9%; and structural valve deterioration 97 +/- 2% (AVR 97 +/- 2% at six and eight years, MVR 100% at six years). The freedom from SVD by age groups was- < or = 35 years 100%; 36-50 years 94 +/- 6%; 51-65 years 98 +/- 2%; and > or = 65 years 97 +/- 2% (p = NS). The freedom from valve-related mortality at six and eight years was 86 +/- 8%; residual morbidity 96 +/- 1%; and reoperation 91 +/- 3%. The Medtronic Intact, zero-pressure glutaraldehyde fixed prosthesis requires continued long term assessment to determine if the low incidence of structural valve deterioration is maintained.

How to cite: Munro, A. I., Jamieson, W. R., Tyers, G. F., & Burr, L. H. (1994). The Medtronic Intact porcine bioprosthesis: clinical performance to eight years. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 634–640.

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How to cite: Dambrin, G., Bonnet, D., & Swynghedauw, B. (1994). Biology of cardiac overload. A review. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 627–633.

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How to cite: Robicsek F. (1994). The application of biological tissues in cardiac valve surgery. The history of the first two decades. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 613–626.

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How to cite: Wardlaw J. M. (1994). The place of thrombolysis in the management of cerebral embolism after heart valve replacement. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 611–612.

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How to cite: Sherrington, C., & Bamford, J. (1994). Diagnostic pitfall and the reporting of cerebrovascular events in patients with prosthetic heart valves. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 607–610.

High intensity transcranial Doppler signals (HITS), assumed to be caused by microemboli, have been reported to occur in many patients with mechanical heart valve prostheses. The aim of our study was to quantify these phenomena and to find possible differences. Furthermore, parameters which might influence the prevalence of HITS were investigated. Monitoring of both middle cerebral artery frequency shift spectra was carried out for 10 minutes in 100 patients having an aortic (n = 64) and (n = 5)/or (n = 31) mitral mechanical heart valve prosthesis. The spectra were off-line screened for HITS by ear. The findings were correlated with the degree of anticoagulation and with the time period since implantation. To examine if platelet aggregates would be the underlying cause, another HITS count was done for 10 minutes prior to and 40 minutes after i.v. injection of 250 mg aspirin (ASA) as well as after four days of 100 mg/day ASA orally in a group of seven patients. Prior to surgery, HITS were present in only one patient. Postoperatively, HITS were detected in 54 of 100 patients. There was no significant difference between left and right sides, no correlation with anticoagulation, and only a borderline correlation with the time interval since implantation. Sixty-six percent of the 50 patients monitored within the first three postoperative weeks had HITS as compared to only 42% in 50 subjects who were examined three months or later after surgery (p < 0.05). With regard to the number of HITS an inverse behaviour was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

How to cite: Müller, H. R., Burckhardt, D., Casty, M., Pfisterer, M. E., & Buser, M. W. (1994). High intensity transcranial Doppler signals (hits) after prosthetic valve implantation. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 602–606.

The long term outcome of 300 consecutive patients following percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) with the Inoue balloon was analyzed with regard to the incidence of restenosis. There were 256 females and 44 males (mean age 44.4 +/- 9.9 years, range 18-69 years), 52 had previous surgical commissurotomy, 96 were in atrial fibrillation, and 16 had a history of embolism. PCM was carried out with a success rate of 84% (no significant mitral regurgitation and mitral valve area (MVA) > 1.5 cm2). Two hundred and seventy patients were available for clinical and serial echocardiographic studies at six months, 12 months and once a year thereafter (18 patients operated on for mitral regurgitation less than six months after PMC, three patients lost to follow up, nine patients refused to return). MVA increased with PMC from 1.18 cm2 +/- 0.3 to 2.0 +/- 0.3 cm2 and then decreased to 1.8 +/- 0.3 at a mean follow up of 24.0 +/- 13.5 months (range 6-55). Echocardiographic restenosis (RS) (MVA at follow up < 1.5 cm2 with a 50% loss of the initial gain) was found in 38 patients (14%). Twenty-five (66%) of them remained in NYHA class I or II. Restenosis free survival according to the Kaplan-Mayer curve was 93%, 86%, 77% and 73% at 12,24,36 and 55 months respectively. None of the 24 clinical, hemodynamic, echocardiographic or procedural variables used on the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified predictors of restenosis free survival.

How to cite: Woroszylska, M., Ruzyllo, W., Konka, M., Soroka, M., Dabrowski, M., Chmielak, Z., Demkow, M., Gorecka, B., & Rydlewska-Sadowska, W. (1994). Long term follow up after percutaneous mitral commissurotomy with the Inoue balloon-incidence of restenosis. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 594–601.

This study examines the acute results and the potential impact, if any, of 16 clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic and balloon-related variables on the acute outcomes of Inoue-balloon percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC). Of 107 patients, PTMC was successfully completed in 105 (98%) without cardioembolism or death, and resulted in an increase in mitral valve area from 0.8 +/- 0.2 cm2 to 1.7 +/- 0.4 cm2 (p = 0.0001) as assessed echocardiographically. Optimal results defined as a valve area improvement of > or = 50% and/or a final valve area of > or = 1.5 cm2 without significant mitral regurgitation (> or = 2 grade increase in mitral regurgitation or a final regurgitation > or = 3+) was obtained in 96 patients (91%). Significant mitral regurgitation was observed in six patients. On univariate analysis, patients with suboptimal results were older (52 +/- 7 vs. 44 +/- 10 years, p = 0.037) and were likely to have the procedure performed during the learning phase (first 33 vs.. subsequent 72 patients, p = 0.007) than those with optimal results, and patients with resultant significant mitral regurgitation had more severe pre-existing mitral regurgitation compared with those without (1.4 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.7, p = 0.0098). However, there were no independent predictors of either acute outcome identified in multivariate analysis. We therefore conclude that although Inoue-balloon PTMC is a safe and highly effective procedure with a low risk of creating severe mitral regurgitation, the acute outcomes cannot be accurately predicted.

How to cite: Lau, K. W., Lee, C. Y., Ding, Z. P., Tan, A., Chan, C., Quek, S., & Johan, A. (1994). Acute outcome of percutaneous Inoue-balloon mitral commissurotomy. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 588–593.

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How to cite: Shah P. M. (1994). Utility of echocardiographic quantitation of valve morphology in balloon mitral valvotomy: a gap between expectations and reality?. The Journal of heart valve disease, 3(6), 586–587.