Bio-ValsalvaTM prosthesis: new conduit for old patients
Roberto Di Bartolomeo 1,
Luca Botta 1,
Alessandro Leone 1,
Emanuele Pilato 1,
Sofia Martin-Suarez 1,
Massimo Bacchini 1,
Davide Pacini 1*
1 University of Bologna, Italy
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: dpacini{at}hotmail.com.
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Abstract |
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A new bio-prosthetic valved conduit (Bio-ValsalvaTM) has recently been introduced into surgical practice in order to offer a valid option for elderly patients undergoing composite aortic root replacement. The conduit is made up of a stentless porcine valve (elan valve) pre-sewn inside a triple layer Valsalva prosthesis and it is entirely preserved in a glutaraldehyde solution. In our Department, 21 patients (16 males, mean age 67.8±5.5 years) underwent aortic root replacement using the Bio-ValsalvaTM prosthesis. Composite root replacement was extended to the hemiarch in three cases while a complete arch replacement was performed in 2 patients. Type A aortic dissection was present in 2 cases while a bicuspid aortic valve was detected in 8 patients. In-hospital mortality was 4.7% (1 patient). Re-thoracotomy for bleeding was performed in one case. The median in-hospital stay was 12 days. The median follow-up was 6 months and is 100% complete. There were no re-operations or structural deterioration during this early phase of observation. The Bio-ValsalvaTM graft, readily available in different sizes, demonstrates ease of implantability and shows good haemostatic characteristics. More patients and a longer follow-up are necessary to confirm the advantages of this graft. Keywords: Aortic root aneurysm; Stentless aortic valve; Aortic root replacement
