Perceval prosthesis implantation into challenging degenerated aortic valves: a literature review and case series.

BACKGROUND

The Perceval Sutureless prosthesis can increase the effective orifice area (EOA) and reduce the chance of prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM). This report presents three patients with challenging degenerated bioprosthetic valves undergoing redo aortic valve replacement (rAVR) using the Perceval (LivaNova, London, UK) prosthesis from a cohort of more than 300 performed cases and a review of the literature on the management of challenging degenerated valves.

METHODS

Case 1: Degenerated 23 mm Trifecta with the valve cage densely adherent to the annulus. Cage with sewing ring were excised and annulus sized to a large Perceval valve. Case 2: Degenerated 29 mm Epic from a Bentall's procedure. Calcified and rigid prosthetic leaflets as well as stent posts were excised and XL Perceval implanted. Case 3: Degenerated 27 mm Epic with signs of endocarditis from a history of Bentall's procedure. Three calcified leaflets of the Epic valve were completely excised. The orifice accepted a medium Perceval.

RESULTS

The total Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) and aortic cross clamp (ACC) times (in minutes) were 99.76, 117.68 and 143.99 in Cases 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Moreover, post-implantation transesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) demonstrated a well-seated valve, no paravalvular leak in all cases and a peak gradient of 12.7 mmHg, 14.8 mmHg and 17.7 mmHg in Cases 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Perceval prosthesis is an excellent choice for rAVR, as it can safely simplify challenging cases at risk of PPM and is an excellent valve-in-valve alternative to degenerated or infected Bentall valves with patent graft. The Perceval prosthesis can be well seated on the different structures of a degenerated bioprosthetic valve.