Homograft replacement of the mitral valve in young recipients: mid-term results

Objective: Mitral homograft (MH) can represent an interesting alternative for valve replacement in the young. However, concerns have been expressed about the durability of valve allografts in children. We report our experience with MH replacement in young patients. Methods: From 1993 to 1997, 13 young patients aged 3-25 years (mean 15 ± 6 years) underwent total mitral valve (MV) replacement with a cryopreserved homograft (CH). All but one had previously undergone one or more cardiac operations. The indications were rheumatic disease (6), acute and subacute endocarditis (2), congenital heart disease (4), and systemic lupus endocarditis (1). Results: No in hospital deaths are reported. Discharge echocardiogram showed a well-functioning MH in all but one patient. One patient was lost to follow-up. Follow-up ranged from 0.7 to 6.6 years (4.1 ± 2. 2). On follow-up two patients were doing well. Two patients died without reoperation and both had MV stenosis. Seven patients (54% required reoperation: mean delay 4.17 years (0.7-7). In all cases, thickening, shrinking and calcification of the allograft were present None of these seven had contributive histopathologic changes. One patient presenting recurent M V insufficiency will require a reoperation. Conclusion: MV homograft is a safe and reproducible technique, but does not provide durable results and should not be used in young patients.