Abstract
Implanting a valve that will reduce left ventricular mass is critical in aortic
stenosis. Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in 46 aortic valve
replacement (AVR) patients receiving a St. Jude Medical (SJM) valve was assessed
by serial electrocardiographic and echocardiographic studies during the
preoperative, immediate, and late postoperative periods. The patients were
divided into three groups according to valve size; 19 mm group (n=9), 21 mm
group (n=20), and 23+mm group (n=17). There was no surgical mortality. The NYHA
functional class improved from an average of 2.2±0.8 preoperatively to
1.3±0.5 post-operatively. Left ventricular muscle mass index (LVMI) regression
failed to reach statistical significance in the 19 mm group, whereas in the
other two groups a steady decrease in the LVMI occurred with follow up. ECG
findings were less remarkable showing insignificant differences in voltage among
the three groups (p=0.000). In conclusion, the current data suggest that the 19
mm SJM valve may not result in satisfactory left ventricular muscle mass
regression despite adequate function, even in small patients. Therefore,
additional procedures to accommodate a larger valve may be warranted in the
aortic annulus smaller than 21 mm.