Analysis on causes of dysfunction of bioprosthetic valves / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the causative of damaged bioprosthetic valves implanted in 41 patients (with total 47 valves) over one year. Methods From June 1993 to June 2004,re-replacement of valves was performed in 41 patients with dysfunctional bioprosthetic valves. The interval between the two operations was 1～16 years [mean (9.7?4.1) years]. The 47 dysfunctional bioprosthetic valves were carefully observed and pathologically examined. Results Of the 47 valves, no valve frame was damaged; tear or perforation existed in 42 valves (89.3%); calcification was found in 35 valves (74.5%), with fibrosis; excrescence and thrombus coexisted in 2. Heavily damaged ones were sent for pathological examination, and infiltration of abundant phagocytes and monocytes was found. Conclusion Early damages were mainly tear or rupture, while late damages were compound outcomes of multiple damaging factors such as calcification, rupture, and tear.