Using a Regent Aortic Valve in a Small Annulus Mitral Position Is a Viable Option.

BACKGROUND

Outcome of mitral valve replacement in extreme scenarios of small mitral annulus with the use of the Regent mechanical aortic valve is not well documented.

METHODS

Records were examined in 31 consecutive patients who underwent mitral valve replacement with the use of the aortic Regent valve because of a small mitral annulus.

RESULTS

Mean age was 60 ± 14 years. Mitral stenosis or mitral annulus calcification was present in 30 of 31 patients (97%). Concurrent procedures were performed in 17 of 31 patients (55%). Median valve size was 23 mm. Mean mitral gradient coming out of the operating room was 4.2 ± 1.5 mm Hg and at follow-up echocardiogram performed at a median of 32 months after the procedure was 5.8 ± 2.4 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

A Regent aortic mechanical valve can be a viable option with a larger orifice area than the regular mechanical mitral valve in a problematic situation of a small mitral valve annulus. Moreover, the pressure gradients over the valve are acceptable intraoperatively and over time.