Hemodynamic evaluation of 23 mm Pericarbon and 23 mm Hancock II bioprostheses in the aortic position at mid-term follow up.

Background And Aims Of The Study: Pericardial xenografts were introduced for clinical use following evidence of their good hemodynamic characteristics in laboratory tests; however, their efficiency in comparison with porcine valves has not been fully assessed. Pericarbon, a new type of pericardial bioprosthesis, has been recently developed in order to provide better hemodynamic performances and longer durability than such bioprostheses currently in use.

Methods: Fifteen patients operated on for aortic valve replacement with a 23 mm Pericarbon and a sex- and age-matched group operated on with a 23 mm Hancock II bioprosthesis were submitted to echocardiographic and Doppler examinations in order to compare the hemodynamic performance of the two devices.