Mechanical Versus Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients Aged 40 to 70 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Publication date: Available online 12 January 2016 Source:The Annals of Thoracic Surgery Author(s): James J. Wu, Michael Seco, James B. Edelman, Guy D. Eslick, Michael K. Wilson, Michael P. Vallely, Michael J. Byrom, Paul G. Bannon Prosthetic valve choice for middle-aged adults undergoing aortic valve replacement is a complex decision. Database searches identified 13 studies comparing mechanical and bioprosthetic valves in aortic valve replacement patients aged 40 to 70 years. No significant difference was found at 15 years for survival, freedom from stroke, and freedom from endocarditis. Mechanical valves were associated with a significantly higher freedom from reoperation, but were associated with a significantly lower freedom from thromboembolic events and freedom from major bleeding events compared with bioprosthetic valves. This systematic review supports the use of bioprosthetic valves in patients younger than the current recommendation of 65 years.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research