An echocardiographic description of the Sulzer Carbomedics Synergy ST (Labcor) porcine valve in the aortic position.
OBJECTIVE
The Synergy ST (previously Labcor) valve is constructed from three separate porcine aortic cusps mounted on a scalloped, flexible, acetal copolymer stent. To date, no hemodynamic data describing this valve have been published. The aim of this study was to describe the echocardiographic findings in a population of unselected patients.


METHODS
One investigator, who was blinded to valve size, studied 84 patients (31 females, 53 males; mean age 58 years; range: 19-83 years) at four centers in Brazil. The valves were studied at a mean of 31 months after implantation (range: 1-116 months). Mean gradient was calculated using the long modified Bernoulli equation, effective orifice area (EOA) using the classical from of the continuity equation, and resistance as mean gradient/flow.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in peak transaortic velocity and mean gradient between valves of different annulus size. However, EOA was directly related (p = 0.0075) and resistance indirectly related to valve size (p = 0.021, ANOVA). Trivial or mild regurgitation was seen in 31 patients (37%), moderate in three (4%) and severe in two (2%). The regurgitation was solely paraprosthetic in five patients, solely through the valve in 23, and both in seven. Regurgitation through the valve usually occurred adjacent to the commissures.


CONCLUSIONS
The Synergy ST porcine valve has hemodynamics of forward flow similar to that of other stented porcine valves.
Chambers
J
J
Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK.
Dolman
W
W
Jawetz
J
J
Ramos
A
A
Collaco
J
J
Barros-Pena
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D005260:Female; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015607:Stents; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome