Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Aortic homograft root replacement is an alternative to mechanical aortic valve replacement or a Ross operation for children with aortic valve disease. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of aortic homograft root replacement. Methods: Between 2004 and 2021, 38 children underwent replacement of their aortic valves with an aortic homograft at a single institution. Electronic medical records were reviewed. Survival and reinterventions were the 2 main end points of interest. Results: The median age and weight were 14 years (interquartile range [IQR], 7-17 years) and 52 kg (IQR, 26-75 kg). Six patients were syndromic (6/38 [16%]), and 4 patients had active endocarditis (4/38 [13%]). Median aortic homograft size implanted was 23 mm in diameter (IQR, 21-24 mm). There was no early mortality and 2 late deaths (5.3%); 8 homografts (21%) were replaced at follow-up with no deaths after replacement of the homograft. Of the 38 implanted homografts, 28 (74%) were functioning well at a median of 81 months after initial implantation. The actuarial reintervention-free survival was 50% at 224 months. The Kaplan-Meier estimated survival at 220 months was 90%. Conclusions: Replacement of the aortic valve with an aortic homograft is a reasonable valve substitute in children, recognizing that some of these homografts will need to be replaced over time. The risk of reoperation is low, and it can be performed safely.
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $975
OpenAlex ID: W4408913144