Comparison of reoperation findings of the Carpentier-Edwards (standard) bioprosthesis and the St Jude bioimplant (formerly Liotta) in the mitral position.

Abstract Between 1986 and 1996, 50 patients with Carpentier–Edwards porcine bioprostheses and 211 with a St Jude bioprosthesis underwent reoperation because of structural valve deterioration. Structural valve deterioration was defined as an intrinsic abnormality of the prosthesis (leaflet disruption, calcification, leaflet thickening, etc.) that caused stenosis or regurgitation found on physical examination and echocardiography. Fifteen of the Carpentier–Edwards bioprosthesis group were male and 35 were female. Eighty-two of the St Jude group were male and 129 female. The mean age at reoperation was 33.88±10.31 years (range 19–70) for the Carpentier–Edwards group and 39.03±9.97 years (range 20–70) for the St Jude group. The average duration was 94.32±3.83 months for the Carpentier–Edwards group and 73.76±1.44 months for the St Jude group ( P P >0.05). Late failure modes of the bioprostheses were defined for the purposes of this study as calcification, stenosis and torn leaflets. Of the Carpentier–Edwards group, seven patients (14%) developed calcification, six patients (12%) developed stenosis and 13 patients (26%) developed leaflet tears. Of the St Jude group, the incidences were 22 patients (10%), 67 patients (31.8%) and 87 patients (41%), respectively. This study indicates that the Carpentier–Edwards bioprosthesis is more durable than the St Jude. The St Jude bioprosthesis tended to develop leaflet tears and linear calcification in female patients, and nodular calcification in male patients.