Aortic Valve Replacement With a Cryolife O'Brien Stentless Bioprosthesis

Introduction and objectives The Cryolife O'Brien xenograft is a stentless bioprosthesis constructed from noncoronary leaflets from three porcine aortic valves. The aim of this study was to investigate short-term results after aortic valve replacement with this composite xenograft. Methods Since October 1993, Cryolife O'Brien bioprostheses have been implanted in 210 patients. The patients' mean age was 70.9 (7.5) years (range, 23-83 years). The indication was aortic stenosis in 132 cases, aortic insufficiency in 25 cases, and both lesions in 53 cases. Valve function was studied by echocardiography preoperatively, at discharge, and 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results The 30-day mortality rate was 5.2% (11/210). Over time, the mean gradients decreased and the effective area index increased. In addition, the left ventricular mass index, wall thickness, and septum thickness also decreased shortly after surgery. Conclusions Use of the Cryolife O'Brien stentless bioprosthesis demonstrated satisfactory results at 1-year follow-up. Additional follow-up is required to assess the performance of this bioprosthesis over the long term.