The 17-mm St. Jude Medical Regent Valve Is a Valid Option for Patients With a Small Aortic Annulus

significant increase in the mean effective orifice area index (0.95 0.24 cm 2 /m 2 ), decrease in the mean left ventricular–aortic pressure gradient (17.4 8.2 mm Hg), and decrease in the mean left ventricular mass index (124 37 cm 2 /m 2 ). Prosthesis–patient mismatch (effective orifice area index < 0.85 cm 2 /m 2 ) was present in 8 patients at discharge. In these patients as well as in those without prosthesis–patient mismatch, the left ventricular mass index decreased remarkably during follow-up. Conclusions. Aortic valve replacement with a 17-mm Regent prosthesis appears to provide satisfactory clinical and hemodynamic results in patients with a small aortic annulus. Remarkable left ventricular mass regression during follow-up was achieved irrespective of the effective orifice area index at discharge.