The sutureless aortic valve prosthesis: experience with and technical considerations for replacement of the early model.

Reoperation was performed in seven (16%) of 43 patients with early models of Magovern sutureless aortic valve prostheses, because of thromboembolism and ball variance. All patients survived reoperation with no major complications. Removal of the sutureless prosthesis was not difficult when an insertion tool of proper size was used. A scarred annulus remained which was favorable for the suturing of a new prosthesis. The incidence of disabling thromboembolism (42%) and poppet failure (21%) is high with these early models. When these complications occur, replacement of the prosthesis is recommended to prevent death or recurrent embolic episodes.