St. Jude SPV versus Medtronic Freestyle: a single institution comparison of two stentless aortic valves.

Background: Improved hemodynamics with the SPV and Freestyle bioprostheses compared to stented valves have been reported. It has been suggested that there is more aortic insufficiency (Al) with the Freestyle than with the SPV valve. This study was designed to assess the hemodynamic performance of these two valves implanted at a single institution with all echocardiograms reviewed by one echocardiographer.

Methods: From 1993 to 1997 112 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with stentless aortic valves (69 SPV, 43 Freestyle). There were no major preoperative differences in patient age, gender, NYHA class, or ejection fraction between groups. Echocardiographic assessment was obtained at discharge, 3 to 6 months following surgery, and yearly thereafter.

Results: Mean follow-up was 15.9 months for the SPV and 28.6 months for the Freestyle. Both valves have excellent valve areas and low transvalvar mean gradients. There is a trend for more Al in the SPV group. At 1 year, 1+ or greater Al was present in 11 of 42 SPV patients compared to 2 of 34 Freestyle patients (p = 0.030). Al has tended to remain stable over time, has not progressed, and is not clinically evident.

Discussion: Differences in the previously reported incidence of aortic insufficiency with these valves may have more to do with the method of reporting Al than its actual frequency. Within our institution, there has been slightly more mild Al with the SPV valve than with Freestyle. Long-term follow-up of these valves is needed to determine if the Al progresses or becomes clinically important. To date there is no such trend with either valve.