Homograft replacement of the mitral valve: Eight-year results

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess whether the mitral homograft represents a valuable alternative for complete or partial mitral valve replacement.MethodsSince 1993, 104 patients underwent mitral homograft replacement surgery. The mean age was 38 ± 15 years. The causes of mitral valve disease were rheumatic disease (n = 76), infective endocarditis (n = 24), and others (n = 4). Sixty-five of these procedures were total homografts, and 39 were partial homografts.ResultsThe mean follow-up was 52 ± 35 months (maximum, 117 months). Overall hospital mortality was 4 (3.8%) of 104 patients and 2.5% versus 8.7% for patients without endocarditis and with endocarditis, respectively (P < .19). There were 9 late deaths (cardiac, 4; noncardiac, 5). There have been 5 early (<3 months) and 10 late reoperations. Of the remaining 77 patients, New York Heart Association class was I in 61, II in 14, and III in 2. Four patients had endocarditis, and 5 had an ischemic or hemorrhagic event. Freedom from major cardiac events was 71% ± 6% at 8 years (partial at 81% vs total at 63%, P < .19). Among patients with a total homograft, freedom from major cardiac events was 61% ± 9% and 85% ± 8% at 6 years in patients younger than and older than 40 years, respectively (P = .09)ConclusionThe risk of early dysfunction related to a mismatch between the mitral homograft and the patient's valve is the main pitfall of the technique. Beyond that stage, the results were comparable with those of bioprostheses in a cohort of young patients