Bioprosthesis replacement with mechanical valve implantation on the bioprosthetic ring Surgical and 2D echo considerations

Abstract

Removal of a failing bioprosthesis can be a delicate operation and extensive damage can be caused. Eighteen patients with failing bioprostheses underwent excision of the leaflets, then the "new" mechanical valve was sewn onto the "old" bioprosthetic ring. At follow-up, clinical and 2D color-flow echo-Doppler evaluations showed good hemodynamic performance of the mechanical valves.