The Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna aortic xenograft: a new design with an improved hemodynamic performance.

This study compares the implantation characteristics and the hemodynamic performance of the new Carpentier-Edwards Perimount Magna (CEPM) xenograft with those of the standard Perimount (CEPS) valve in the aortic position. Eighty consecutive patients surviving an aortic valve replacement with either the CEPS valve (n=40) or the CEPM prosthesis (n=40) in the supra-annular position were retrospectively reviewed. One year follow-up was complete and hemodynamic performance assessed by Doppler echocardiography.