[Long-term evaluation of the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis].

Long-term follow up results of valve replacement with Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis were analysed. From April 1985 to March 1994, a total of 99 bioprostheses were implanted in 92 patients. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 27, mitral valve replacement in 43, combined aortic-mitral valve replacement in 7 and tricuspid valve replacement in 15 patients. The actuarial survival rates at 9 years were 84% (aortic), 59% (mitral), 69% (aortic-mitral) and 76% (tricuspid) respectively. One patient sustained a thromboembolic event after mitral valve replacement, however, none of that complication occurred after aortic or tricuspid valve replacement. Two patients with mitral valve replacement required reoperation because of structural deterioration after 8 years. Five cases of bioprosthetic infection encountered, and three died. Actuarial freedom from overall valve-related complications at 9 years was 97% for aortic, 72% for mitral and 100% for tricuspid valve replacement respectively. There was no structural deterioration of the aortic and tricuspid valve. Actuarial freedom from structural deterioration of the mitral valve was 84% at 9 years. We conclude that the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis has low incidence of valve related complication within the 9 years time frame of this study.