Determinants of Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Degeneration.

Objectives: The aim of the present long-term study was to assess the incidence and mode of valve hemodynamic deterioration (VHD) of bioprosthetic aortic valves, as well as associated factors.

Background: Modern definitions of bioprosthetic valve deterioration recommend the use of echocardiography for the assessment of transprosthetic gradients and valvular regurgitation.

Methods: A total of 466 consecutive patients (mean age 73.