The intact bioprosthesis: the first 4 years.
The Intact porcine bioprosthesis became available for clinical use in 1984. The device incorporates three innovations aimed at reducing calcification and improving durability. Between October 1984 and March 1988, 221 valves were implanted in 200 patients. Sixty-two valves were implanted in the aortic position, 155 valves in the mitral position, and 4 valves in the tricuspid position. The average age was 39 years, and 27 patients were under the age of 20 years. The hospital mortality was 4.5%. The follow-up was from 6 to 48 months, and the actuarial survival at 48 months was 83%. In the group aged less than 20 years six valves have been explanted for calcific prosthetic stenosis. In the group older than 20 years postoperative catheterization studies have demonstrated satisfactory hemodynamics; in this group the results of valve replacement using the Intact valve are regarded as encouraging.
Williams
M A
MA
Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Provincial Hospital, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
D000328:Adult; D001705:Bioprosthesis / Q000401:mortality; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000209:etiology; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation