title: Long-term survival with a stentless free-hand Batista pericardial aortic valve prosthesis: A case report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Stented bovine pericardial prosthetic valves are a good option for older patients, except when there is a fragile small aortic annulus, when, if there is no contraindication to anticoagulation, a mechanical prosthesis may be indicated.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a 72 year-old man who underwent coronary bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement with a stentless valve fashioned from bovine pericardium using the Batista technique. Despite early sternal infection and dehiscence, and renal and respiratory failure during 15 years follow-up, he remains alive and self-sufficient. Echocardiography demonstrates a well-functioning aortic valve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When Batista reported his first 60 patients, concerns were raised about the surgical feasibility of constructing the valve and its long-term durability. Our case perhaps addresses both concerns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Replacement of the aortic valve with a free-hand Batista pericardial valve is a feasible option in a suitable and carefully selected patient.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Geríatrico de Limache, Limache, Chile. Electronic address: Becerra.valentina@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Becerra
authors.affiliation: Hospital Clínico Regional de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Labbé
authors.affiliation: Hospital Clínico Regional de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cataldo
authors.affiliation: Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, Viña del Mar, Chile.
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Becerra
keywords: Bioprosthesis; Geriatric; Heart valve; Surgery/techniques