Quality of life (QOL) is an important issue that should be addressed by nurses in all areas of practice. One patient population for whom this is important is patients who have cardiac valve replacement surgery. Research has shown that patients over 70 who have prosthetic valve implantation have an improved QOL. However, no research has been done on the QOL for children or women of childbearing age. This deficit in nursing research must be addressed in order for patients to have access to the information they deserve before making the decision to pursue surgical treatment. Medical research has shown that women of childbearing age face numerous complications that may render them functionally infertile, and mental health research has shown that infertility can greatly affect a woman's psychological state. The purpose of this thesis was to analyze and synthesize recent research for QOL in these populations. Implications for nursing practice, education and research were also addressed.

Background:  The right ventricle (RV) is multi-compartmental in orientation with a complex structural geometry. However, assessment of this part of the heart has remained an elusive clinical challenge. As a matter of fact, its importance has been underestimated in the past, especially its role as a determinant of cardiac symptoms, exercise capacity in chronic heart failure and survival in patients with valvular disease of the left heart. Evidence also exists that pulmonary hypertension (PH) affects primarily the right ventricular function. On the other hand, previous literature suggested that severe aortic stenosis (AS) affects left ventricular (LV) structure and function which partially recover after aortic valve replacement (AVR). However, the impact of that on RV global and segmental function remains undetermined.  Objectives: We sought to gain more insight into the RV physiology using 3D technology, Speckle tracking as well as already applicable echocardiographic measures. Our first aim was to assess the normal differential function of the RV inflow tract (IT), apical and outflow tract (OT) compartments, also their interrelations and the response to pulmonary hypertension. We also investigated the extent of RV dysfunction in severe AS and its response to AVR. Lastly, we studied the extent of global and regional right ventricular dysfunction in patients with pulmonary hypertension of different aetiologies and normal LV function. Methods: The studies were performed on three different groups; (1) left sided heart failure with (Group 1) and without (Group 2) secondary pulmonary hypertension, (2) severe aortic stenosis and six months post AVR and (3) pulmonary hypertension of different aetiologies and normal left ventricular function. We used 3D, speckle tracking echocardiography and conventionally available Doppler echocardiographic transthoracic techniques including M-mode, 2D and myocardial tissue Doppler. All patients’ measurements were compared with healthy subjects (controls). Statistics were performed using a commercially available SPSS software. Results: 1-  Our RV 3D tripartite model was validated with 2D measures and eventually showed strong correlations between RV inflow diameter (2D) and end diastolic volume (3D) (r=0.69, p<0.001) and between tricuspid annular systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV ejection fraction (3D) (r=0.71, p<0.001). In patients (group 1 & 2) we found that the apical ejection fraction (EF) was less than the inflow and outflow (controls:  p<0.01 & p<0.01, Group 1:  p<0.05 & p<0.01 and Group 2: p<0.05 & p<0.01, respectively). Ejection fraction (EF) was reduced in both patient groups (p<0.05 for all compartments). Whilst in controls, the inflow compartment reached the minimum volume 20 ms before the outflow and apex, in Group 2 it was virtually simultaneous. Both patient groups showed prolonged isovolumic contraction (IVC) and relaxation (IVR) times (p<0.05 for all). Also, in controls, the outflow tract was the only compartment where the rate of volume fall correlated with the time to peak RV ejection (r = 0.62, p = 0.03). In Group 1, this relationship was lost and became with the inflow compartment (r = 0.61, p = 0.01). In Group 2, the highest correlation was with the apex (r=0.60, p<0.05), but not with the outflow tract. 2- In patients with severe aortic stenosis, time to peak RV ejection correlated with the basal cavity segment (r = 0.72, p<0.001) but not with the RVOT. The same pattern of disturbance remained after 6 months of AVR (r = 0.71, p<0.001). In contrast to the pre-operative and post-operative patients, time to RV peak ejection correlated with the time to peak outflow tract strain rate (r = 0.7, p<0.001), but not with basal cavity function. Finally in patients, RVOT strain rate (SR) did not change after AVR but basal cavity SR fell  (p=0.04). 3- In patients with pulmonary hypertension of different aetiologies and normal LV function, RV inflow and outflow tracts were dilated (p<0.001 for both). Furthermore, TAPSE (p<0.001), inflow velocities (p<0.001), basal and mid-cavity strain rate (SR) and longitudinal displacement (p<0.001 for all) were all reduced. The time to peak systolic SR at basal, mid-cavity (p<0.001 for both) and RVOT (p=0.007) was short as was that to peak displacement (p<0.001 for all). The time to peak pulmonary ejection correlated with time to peak SR at RVOT (r=0.7, p<0.001) in controls, but with that of the mid cavity in patients (r=0.71, p<0.001). Finally, pulmonary ejection acceleration (PAc) was faster (p=0.001) and RV filling time shorter in patients (p=0.03) with respect to controls. Conclusion: RV has distinct features for the inflow, apical and outflow tract compartments, with different extent of contribution to the overall systolic function. In PH, RV becomes one dyssynchronous compartment which itself may have perpetual effect on overall cardiac dysfunction. In addition, critical aortic stenosis results in RV configuration changes with the inflow tract, rather than outflow tract, determining peak ejection. This pattern of disturbance remains six month after valve replacement, which confirms that once RV physiology is disturbed it does not fully recover. The findings of this study suggest an organised RV remodelling which might explain the known limited exercise capacity in such patients. Furthermore, in patients with PH of different aetiologies and normal LV function, there is a similar pattern of RV disturbance. Therefore, we can conclude that early identification of such changes might help in identifying patients who need more aggressive therapy early on in the disease process.

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common heart valve disease in Europe and North America. Age-related calcification of the valve is the commonest cause of acquired AS, especially in patients older than 70 years.Conventional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and the novel, minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), effectively preserve left ventricular (LV) function, relieve symptoms and improve survival in patients with severe symptomatic AS. However, patients with impaired LV function may carry significant operative risk, and long recovery time. In addition, such patients might have other comorbidities, and hence adding another challenge. Thus evaluation of ventricular function before and after AVR, as well as critical evaluation of TAVI patients should contribute to better clinical outcome. Methods: We studied LV function by conventional echocardiography before and after SAVR in the following groups; (I) 86 patients (aged 71±10 years) with severe AS and LV dysfunction; (II) 112 consecutive elderly AS patients (aged 77±2 years) and compared them with 72 younger patients (aged 60±1 years); (III)66 patients (age 70±2 years, 53 male) who underwent AVR for severe AS with concurrent LV dysfunction; (IV) 89 consecutive patients with symptomatic severeAS who underwent successful TAVI, 45 of whom received trans-apical TAVI (TA)(age 80.8±4.9 year, 26 male) and 44 trans-femoral TAVI (TF) (age 82.9±5.8 year,22 male).The conventional echocardiographic measurements were made according to the guidelines. Severe AS was identified by aortic valve mean pressure gradient >40mmHg or valve area <1.0 cm2. LV systolic dysfunction was identified as ejection fraction (EF) <50%. LV long-axis function was presented by mitral annular plane systolic excursion ( MAPSE ) at lateral wall and septal wall, which were measured from apical four-chamber view. Also from the same view, LV septal and lateral wall deformation using STE as well as global longitudinal systolic strain. The LV systolic twist as the net difference between apical rotation and basal rotation was measured from the parasternal apical and basal short-axis views in the TAVI patients. Results: Study I: In the low flow and high gradient group, operative (30-day) mortality was 10%, and peri-operative mortality was associated with lower mean LVEF, higher mitral E:A ratio, peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PSPAP), and higher serum creatinine (all p<0.001), NYHA class III–IV, concomitant coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), urgent surgery, and longer bypass-time (all p< 0.05). Mortality at 4 years was 17%. Univariate predictors of 4-year mortality were: lower EF (p<0.001), presence of restrictive LV filling (p<0.001), raised PSPAP (p<0.001) and CABG (p=0.037). However, only EF<40 % (p=0.03), the presence of restrictive LV filling (p=0.033) and raised PSPAP (p<0.01)independently predicted mortality in this group.Study II: Elderly patients had higher NYHA class, more frequent atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease (CAD), emergency operation and use of bioprosthetic valves. They also had shorter E-wave deceleration time (DT) and larger left atria (LA) (p<0.05 for all). 30-day mortality was 12% vs 4 % (Log Rank x2=3.02, p=0.08) and long term mortality was 18% vs 7% (Log Rank x2=4.38,p=0.04) in the two groups, respectively. Age was not related to mortality after adjustment for other variables. Among all variables, anemia (OR 4.20, CI:1.02–6.86, p=0.04), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (OR 1.02, CI 1.01–1.04,p<0.01), significant patient prosthesis mismatch (PPM) (OR 5.43, CI 1.04–18.40,p<0.05) were associated with 30-day mortality in elderly patients. Their long-term mortality was related to CBP time (OR 1.02, CI 1.00–1.05, p=0.04),PPM (OR 4.64, CI 1.33–16.11, p=0.02) and raised LA pressure: DT (OR 0.94, CI0.84–0.99, p=0.03) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (OR 1.12, CI1.03–1.19, p<0.001).STUDY III: Following SAVR peak aortic pressure gradient (AOPG) decreased and indexed valve area increased (64±3 to 19±1 mmHg and 0.30±0.01 to 0.89±0.03 cm2/m2, p<0.001 for both). LVEF increased (from 45±1 to 54±2%;p<0.001), LV end diastolic and end-systolic dimensions fell (LVEDD index: from 33±1 to 30±1 mm/m2; and LVESD index: from 27±1 to 20±1 mm/m2; (p<0.01 forboth). LV diastolic dysfunction improved as evidenced by the fall in E/A ratio (from 2.6±0.2 to 1.9±0.4) and prolongation of total filling time; (from 29.2±0.6 to31.4±0.5 s/min, p=0.01 for both). Among all echocardiographic variables, LV dimensions (LVEDD index, OR 0.70, CI 0.52–0.97, p<0.05; LVESD index, OR 0.57, CI 0.40–0.85, p=0.005) were the two independent predictors of post-operative LV functional recovery on multivariate analysis. A cut-off value ofpre-operative LVESD index<=27.5 mm/m2 was 85% sensitive and 72% specific inpredicting intermediate-term recovery of LV function after AVR (AUC, 0.72, p=0.002). STUDY IV: Before TAVI, there was no difference between the two patient groups in gender, age, body surface area (BSA) and baseline LV function. However, left ventricular mass index (LVMi), left atrial volume index (LAVi) and tricuspid regurgitation pressure drop (TRPdrop) were increased in the TA group (p<0.05).One week after TAVI, aortic pressure gradient (AOPG) markedly dropped in thetwo groups (both p<0.001), LVEDD index and LVESD index fell but EF andmyocardial strain remained unchanged. Overall cavity twist reduced (p<0.048).Significant LVESD index reduction was only seen in TF group (p=0.02) with a slight increase in LVEF (p=0.04). Lateral MAPSE increased only in the TF group(p=0.02). LV longitudinal systolic strain remained unchanged in TA patients while apical lateral strain increased in TF group. LV apical rotation fell in the two groups but basal rotation increased only in the TA patients (p=0.02). LAVi reduced in bothgroups and to a greater extent in TF TAVI (p=0.006), as did TRPdrop (p<0.001). Conclusion: SAVR and TAVI are two effective treatments for severe AS patients.The severity of pre-operative systolic and diastolic LV dysfunction is the major predictor of mortality following SAVR for low-flow and high gradient AS.Peri-operative AVR survival is encouraging in the elderly. Long term mortality in the elderly is related to PPM, LV diastolic dysfunction and secondary pulmonary hypertension. LV functional recovery was evident in most patients with LV dysfunction after SAVR. A lower prevalence of LV functional recovery in patients with large pre-operative LVESD index might signify the loss of contractile reserveand thus predict post-operative functional recovery. TAVI results in significant early improvement of segmental and overall ventricular function, particularly in patients receiving the trans-femoral approach. The delayed recovery of the trans-apical TAVI group, we studied, might reflect worse pre-procedural diastolic cavity function.

Background：Aortic stenosis (AS) is the commonest valve disease in the West. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) remains the only available management for AS and results in improved symptoms and recovery of ventricular functions. In addition, it is well known that AVR results in disruption of LV function mainly in the form of reversal of septal motion as well as depression of right ventricular (RV) systolic function. The aim of this thesis was to study, in detail, the early and mid-term response of ventricular function to AVR procedures (surgical and TAVI) as well as post operative patients’ exercise capacity. Methods：We studied LV and RV function by Doppler echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in the following 4 groups; (1) 30 severe AS patients (age 62±11 years, 19 male) with normal LV ejection fraction (EF) who underwent AVR, (2) 20 severe AS patients (age 79±6 years, 14 male) who underwent TAVI, (3) 30 healthy controls (age 63±11 years, 16 male), (4) 21 healthy controls (age 57±9 years, 14 male) who underwent exercise echocardiography. Results: After one week of TAVI, the septal radial motion and RV tricuspid annulus peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) were not different from before, while surgical AVR had significantly reversed septal radial motion and TAPSE dropped by 70% compared to before. The extent of the reversed septal motion correlated with that of TAPSE (r=0.78, p<0.001) in the patients as a whole after AVR and TAVI (Study I). Compared with controls, the LV twist function was increased in AS patients before and normalized after 6 months of surgical AVR. In controls, the LV twist correlated with LV fractional shortening (r=0.81, p<0.001), a relationship which became weak in patients before (r=0.52, p<0.01) and after AVR (r=0.34, p=ns) (Study II). After 6 months of surgical AVR, the reversed septal radial motion was still significantly lower than before. The septal peak displacement also decreased and its time became prolonged. In contrast, the LV lateral wall peak displacement increased and the time to peak displacement was early. The accentuated lateral wall peak displacement correlated with the septal peak displacement time delay (r=0.60, p<0.001) and septal-lateral time delay (r=0.64, p<0.001) (Study III). In 21 surgical AVR patients who performed exercise echocardiography, the LV function was normal at rest but different from controls with exercise. At peak exercise, oxygen consumption (pVO2) was lower in patients than controls. Although patients could achieve cardiac output (CO) and heart rate (HR) similar to controls at peak exercise, the LV systolic and early diastolic myocardial velocities and strain rate as well as their delta changes were significantly lower than controls. pVO2 correlated with peak exercise LV myocardial function in the patients group only, and the systolic global longitudinal strain rate (GLSRs) at peak exercise was the only independent predictor of pVO2 in multivariate regression analysis (p=0.03) (Study IV). Conclusion: Surgical AVR is an effective treatment for AS patients, but results in reversed septal radial motion and reduced TAPSE. The newly developed TAVI procedure maintains RV function which results in preservation of septal radial motion. In AS, the LV twist function is exaggerated, normalizes after AVR but loses its relationship with basal LV function. While the reversed septal motion results in decreased and delayed septal longitudinal displacement which is compensated for by the accentuated lateral wall displacement and the time early. These patients remain suffering from limited exercise capacity years after AVR.

Ce travail de doctorat se décompose en quatre parties distinctes. La première partie concerne la caractérisation hémodynamique sur simulateur cardiovasculaire de prothèses valvulaires mitrales de différents constructeurs en vue de leur évaluation clinique et du diagnostique de leur dysfonction. La seconde partie se focalise sur les prothèses valvulaires mécaniques bi-clapet au travers desquels le phénomène de recouvrement de pression dû au passage de l'écoulement à travers les trois orifices formés par les clapets peut engendrer une surestimation du gradient transvalvulaire. Ce phénomène peut entrainer une ambiguïté lors de l'évaluation de la prothèse en cas de gradient transvalvulaire important. Cette partie s'attache à quantifier ce phénomène et à évaluer l'influence d'une dysfonction (disproportion patient-prothèse ou obstruction d'un clapet) sur celui-ci. La troisième partie concerne la procédure valve-in-valve dans laquelle une prothèse percutanée est implantée dans une bioprothèse défaillante. Elle fournit une caractérisation in vitro, première au niveau mondial, d'assemblages de la prothèse SAPIEN Edwards dans des bioprothèses issues de différents constructeurs. Enfin et suite à la mise en évidence dans les parties précédentes de profils de vitesse en amont de la prothèse ne pouvant être assimilés à des profils plats, l'étude des patrons de flux auriculaires a été réalisée grâce à des acquisitions in-vitro. / This PhD work is divided into four different parts. the first part concerns the hemodynamic characterization by in-vitro cardiovascular testing of mitral valvular prosthesis from different manufacturers in order to provide reference values for clinical diagnosis. The second part focus on bi leaflet mechanical heart valve in each pressure recovery resulting of flow through the three orifices could lead to an overestimation of transvalvular pressure gradient. This could create ambigious assessment in case of high value of transvalvular pressure gradient. This part aims to quantify this pressure recovery and identify the influence of dysfunction (leaflet obstruction or patient prosthesis mismatch) on this value. Third part consists in valve-in-valve procedure in which a transcatheter valve is impllanted in a failled bioprosthesis. It provides in vitro testing, first globally, of assemblies composed of SAPIEN Edwards prostheses in different manufacturers' bioprosthesis.As highlighted in the previous parts inflows of the mitral prostheses can not be considered as plane and results of left atrium flow patterns. The last part studies the left atrium flow following mitral valve replacement.

Este estudo avalia mortalidade, reoperação e eventos hemorrágicos em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para troca valvar mitral utilizando substituto biológico ou mecânico. O delineamento do estudo foi do tipo coorte histórica. Entre todos os registros, foram selecionados 352 prontuários de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para troca valvar mitral entre 1990 e 2008, que tiveram seguimento mínimo de 5 e máximo de 23 anos. Para avaliar o tempo de sobrevida, a probabilidade de reoperação e de eventos hemorrágicos, foi utilizada a curva de Kaplan-Meier. Foi aplicado, para comparar as curvas entre os grupos, o teste qui-quadrado de Log-rank. A análise multivariada de Regressão de Cox foi utilizada para identificar preditores independentes de mortalidade, reoperação e eventos hemorrágicos. A sobrevivência em 5, 10, 15 e 20 anos após cirurgia utilizando substituto mecânico foi de 87,7%, 74,2%, 69,3% e 69,3% e, para substituto biológico, foi de 87,6%, 71,0%, 64,2%, e 56,6%, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa entre a mortalidade entre os dois grupos (p=0,38). Na análise multivariada, os fatores associados com o óbito foram: idade, eventos hemorrágicos e insuficiência renal. A probabilidade de permanecer livre de reoperação em 5, 10, 15 e 20 anos após cirurgia utilizando substituto mecânico foi de 94,4%, 92,7%, 92,7% e 92,7% e, para bioprótese, foi de 95,9%, 86,4%, 81,2% e 76,5%, respectivamente (p=0.073), com uma incidência significativamente maior de reoperação para bioprótese (p=0,008). Os fatores associados com reoperação foram: sexo masculino, diâmetro da prótese e endocardite. A probabilidade de permanecer livre de eventos hemorrágicos em 5, 10, 15 e 20 anos após cirurgia utilizando substituto mecânico foi de 95,0%, 91,0%, 89,6% e 89,6% e, para bioprótese, foi de 96,9%, 94,0%, 94,0% e 94,0%, respectivamente (p=0,267). Os fatores associados com eventos hemorrágicos foram: IMC (índice de massa corporal) superior à 30 kg/m2, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, tempo de ventilação mecânica na Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo superior a 30 dias e presença insuficiência mitral. Os autores concluíram que: 1) a mortalidade foi estatisticamente semelhante entre os dois grupos no seguimento; 2) houve tendência maior à reoperação no grupo com bioprótese; 3) após 10 anos de seguimento, a probabilidade de permanecer livre de reoperação não mudou para pacientes com substitutos valvares mecânicos; 4) a probabilidade de permanecer livre de eventos hemorrágicos não mudou após 10 anos de seguimento para portadores de biopróteses; 5) as características basais dos pacientes foram os maiores determinantes de mortalidade tardia após a cirurgia; 6) o tipo de prótese não foi fator preditor independente associado a nenhum dos desfechos avaliados na análise multivariada. / This study assessed mortality, reoperation and bleeding events in patients who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery with a biological or mechanical substitute. This was a historical cohort study. In total, 352 inpatients clinical health records who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery between 1990 and 2008 with 5 to 23 years of follow-up were selected. A Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate the survival time, the probability of reoperation and bleeding events. A log-rank chi-square test was applied to compare the curves between groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of mortality, reoperation and bleeding events. The 5, 10, 15 and 20 year survival rates after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 87.7%, 74.2%, 69.3% and 69.3%, respectively, while the survival rates after surgery with a biological substitute were 87.6%, 71.0%, 64.2% and 56.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups (p = 0.38). In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with death were age, bleeding events and renal failure. The probabilities of being free of reoperation at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 94.4%, 92.7%, 92.7% and 92.7%, respectively, while after surgery with a bioprosthesis, they were 95.9%, 86.4%, 81.2% and 76.5%, respectively (p = 0.073); therefore, there was a significantly higher incidence of reoperation for patients receiving a bioprosthesis (p = 0.008). The factors associated with reoperation were male gender, diameter of the prosthesis and endocarditis. The probabilities of remaining free of bleeding events at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 95.0%, 91.0%, 89.6% and 89.6, respectively, while after surgery with a bioprosthesis, they were 96.9%, 94.0%, 94.0% and 94.0%, respectively (p = 0.267). The factors associated with bleeding events were BMI (body mass index) greater than 30 kg/m2, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mechanical ventilation at an Intensive Care Unit for longer than 30 days and mitral regurgitation. The authors concluded that: 1) mortality during follow-up was statistically similar in both groups; 2) there was a greater tendency to reoperation in the bioprosthesis group; 3) the probability of survival free from reoperation did not change for patients with mechanical valves after 10 years’ follow-up; 4) the probability of survival free from bleeding events did not change after 10 years’ follow-up for bioprostheses patients; 5) patients’ baseline characteristics were the greatest determinants of late mortality after mitral valve replacement surgery; 6) the type of prosthesis fitted was not an independent predictive factor of any of the outcomes analyzed in the multivariate analysis.

Valve replacement for critical heart valve diseases is in many cases not an option. Our clinical experience in pediatric compassionate care has shown robust function of porcine small intestinal submucosa (PSIS) valves. We assessed functional effectiveness of 4ply (~320µm) and 2ply (~166µm) PSIS mitral valves under pediatric-relevant hemodynamic pulsatile conditions. Key conclusions: (i)PSIS valves demonstrated statistically similar acute functionality in comparison to a commercially available valve. (ii)Energy losses were similar (p>0.05) under pediatric conditions which was not the case under adult aortic conditions. (iii)2ply valves were observed to be superior to 4ply, based on the robust hydrodynamic data, the mechanical properties suitable for pediatric applications and de-novo tissue replacement potential with less demand on the body. Demonstrating somatic growth, valve tissue filling matching PSIS degradation and PSIS-valve fatigue assessment are critical endeavors that need to be carried out to ensure mid to long term function of these bioscaffold mitral valves.

Este estudo avalia mortalidade, reoperação e eventos hemorrágicos em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para troca valvar mitral utilizando substituto biológico ou mecânico. O delineamento do estudo foi do tipo coorte histórica. Entre todos os registros, foram selecionados 352 prontuários de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para troca valvar mitral entre 1990 e 2008, que tiveram seguimento mínimo de 5 e máximo de 23 anos. Para avaliar o tempo de sobrevida, a probabilidade de reoperação e de eventos hemorrágicos, foi utilizada a curva de Kaplan-Meier. Foi aplicado, para comparar as curvas entre os grupos, o teste qui-quadrado de Log-rank. A análise multivariada de Regressão de Cox foi utilizada para identificar preditores independentes de mortalidade, reoperação e eventos hemorrágicos. A sobrevivência em 5, 10, 15 e 20 anos após cirurgia utilizando substituto mecânico foi de 87,7%, 74,2%, 69,3% e 69,3% e, para substituto biológico, foi de 87,6%, 71,0%, 64,2%, e 56,6%, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa entre a mortalidade entre os dois grupos (p=0,38). Na análise multivariada, os fatores associados com o óbito foram: idade, eventos hemorrágicos e insuficiência renal. A probabilidade de permanecer livre de reoperação em 5, 10, 15 e 20 anos após cirurgia utilizando substituto mecânico foi de 94,4%, 92,7%, 92,7% e 92,7% e, para bioprótese, foi de 95,9%, 86,4%, 81,2% e 76,5%, respectivamente (p=0.073), com uma incidência significativamente maior de reoperação para bioprótese (p=0,008). Os fatores associados com reoperação foram: sexo masculino, diâmetro da prótese e endocardite. A probabilidade de permanecer livre de eventos hemorrágicos em 5, 10, 15 e 20 anos após cirurgia utilizando substituto mecânico foi de 95,0%, 91,0%, 89,6% e 89,6% e, para bioprótese, foi de 96,9%, 94,0%, 94,0% e 94,0%, respectivamente (p=0,267). Os fatores associados com eventos hemorrágicos foram: IMC (índice de massa corporal) superior à 30 kg/m2, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, tempo de ventilação mecânica na Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo superior a 30 dias e presença insuficiência mitral. Os autores concluíram que: 1) a mortalidade foi estatisticamente semelhante entre os dois grupos no seguimento; 2) houve tendência maior à reoperação no grupo com bioprótese; 3) após 10 anos de seguimento, a probabilidade de permanecer livre de reoperação não mudou para pacientes com substitutos valvares mecânicos; 4) a probabilidade de permanecer livre de eventos hemorrágicos não mudou após 10 anos de seguimento para portadores de biopróteses; 5) as características basais dos pacientes foram os maiores determinantes de mortalidade tardia após a cirurgia; 6) o tipo de prótese não foi fator preditor independente associado a nenhum dos desfechos avaliados na análise multivariada. / This study assessed mortality, reoperation and bleeding events in patients who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery with a biological or mechanical substitute. This was a historical cohort study. In total, 352 inpatients clinical health records who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery between 1990 and 2008 with 5 to 23 years of follow-up were selected. A Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate the survival time, the probability of reoperation and bleeding events. A log-rank chi-square test was applied to compare the curves between groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of mortality, reoperation and bleeding events. The 5, 10, 15 and 20 year survival rates after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 87.7%, 74.2%, 69.3% and 69.3%, respectively, while the survival rates after surgery with a biological substitute were 87.6%, 71.0%, 64.2% and 56.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups (p = 0.38). In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with death were age, bleeding events and renal failure. The probabilities of being free of reoperation at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 94.4%, 92.7%, 92.7% and 92.7%, respectively, while after surgery with a bioprosthesis, they were 95.9%, 86.4%, 81.2% and 76.5%, respectively (p = 0.073); therefore, there was a significantly higher incidence of reoperation for patients receiving a bioprosthesis (p = 0.008). The factors associated with reoperation were male gender, diameter of the prosthesis and endocarditis. The probabilities of remaining free of bleeding events at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 95.0%, 91.0%, 89.6% and 89.6, respectively, while after surgery with a bioprosthesis, they were 96.9%, 94.0%, 94.0% and 94.0%, respectively (p = 0.267). The factors associated with bleeding events were BMI (body mass index) greater than 30 kg/m2, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mechanical ventilation at an Intensive Care Unit for longer than 30 days and mitral regurgitation. The authors concluded that: 1) mortality during follow-up was statistically similar in both groups; 2) there was a greater tendency to reoperation in the bioprosthesis group; 3) the probability of survival free from reoperation did not change for patients with mechanical valves after 10 years’ follow-up; 4) the probability of survival free from bleeding events did not change after 10 years’ follow-up for bioprostheses patients; 5) patients’ baseline characteristics were the greatest determinants of late mortality after mitral valve replacement surgery; 6) the type of prosthesis fitted was not an independent predictive factor of any of the outcomes analyzed in the multivariate analysis.

Este estudo avalia mortalidade, reoperação e eventos hemorrágicos em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para troca valvar mitral utilizando substituto biológico ou mecânico. O delineamento do estudo foi do tipo coorte histórica. Entre todos os registros, foram selecionados 352 prontuários de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para troca valvar mitral entre 1990 e 2008, que tiveram seguimento mínimo de 5 e máximo de 23 anos. Para avaliar o tempo de sobrevida, a probabilidade de reoperação e de eventos hemorrágicos, foi utilizada a curva de Kaplan-Meier. Foi aplicado, para comparar as curvas entre os grupos, o teste qui-quadrado de Log-rank. A análise multivariada de Regressão de Cox foi utilizada para identificar preditores independentes de mortalidade, reoperação e eventos hemorrágicos. A sobrevivência em 5, 10, 15 e 20 anos após cirurgia utilizando substituto mecânico foi de 87,7%, 74,2%, 69,3% e 69,3% e, para substituto biológico, foi de 87,6%, 71,0%, 64,2%, e 56,6%, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa entre a mortalidade entre os dois grupos (p=0,38). Na análise multivariada, os fatores associados com o óbito foram: idade, eventos hemorrágicos e insuficiência renal. A probabilidade de permanecer livre de reoperação em 5, 10, 15 e 20 anos após cirurgia utilizando substituto mecânico foi de 94,4%, 92,7%, 92,7% e 92,7% e, para bioprótese, foi de 95,9%, 86,4%, 81,2% e 76,5%, respectivamente (p=0.073), com uma incidência significativamente maior de reoperação para bioprótese (p=0,008). Os fatores associados com reoperação foram: sexo masculino, diâmetro da prótese e endocardite. A probabilidade de permanecer livre de eventos hemorrágicos em 5, 10, 15 e 20 anos após cirurgia utilizando substituto mecânico foi de 95,0%, 91,0%, 89,6% e 89,6% e, para bioprótese, foi de 96,9%, 94,0%, 94,0% e 94,0%, respectivamente (p=0,267). Os fatores associados com eventos hemorrágicos foram: IMC (índice de massa corporal) superior à 30 kg/m2, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, tempo de ventilação mecânica na Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo superior a 30 dias e presença insuficiência mitral. Os autores concluíram que: 1) a mortalidade foi estatisticamente semelhante entre os dois grupos no seguimento; 2) houve tendência maior à reoperação no grupo com bioprótese; 3) após 10 anos de seguimento, a probabilidade de permanecer livre de reoperação não mudou para pacientes com substitutos valvares mecânicos; 4) a probabilidade de permanecer livre de eventos hemorrágicos não mudou após 10 anos de seguimento para portadores de biopróteses; 5) as características basais dos pacientes foram os maiores determinantes de mortalidade tardia após a cirurgia; 6) o tipo de prótese não foi fator preditor independente associado a nenhum dos desfechos avaliados na análise multivariada. / This study assessed mortality, reoperation and bleeding events in patients who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery with a biological or mechanical substitute. This was a historical cohort study. In total, 352 inpatients clinical health records who underwent mitral valve replacement surgery between 1990 and 2008 with 5 to 23 years of follow-up were selected. A Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate the survival time, the probability of reoperation and bleeding events. A log-rank chi-square test was applied to compare the curves between groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of mortality, reoperation and bleeding events. The 5, 10, 15 and 20 year survival rates after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 87.7%, 74.2%, 69.3% and 69.3%, respectively, while the survival rates after surgery with a biological substitute were 87.6%, 71.0%, 64.2% and 56.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups (p = 0.38). In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with death were age, bleeding events and renal failure. The probabilities of being free of reoperation at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 94.4%, 92.7%, 92.7% and 92.7%, respectively, while after surgery with a bioprosthesis, they were 95.9%, 86.4%, 81.2% and 76.5%, respectively (p = 0.073); therefore, there was a significantly higher incidence of reoperation for patients receiving a bioprosthesis (p = 0.008). The factors associated with reoperation were male gender, diameter of the prosthesis and endocarditis. The probabilities of remaining free of bleeding events at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years after surgery using a mechanical substitute were 95.0%, 91.0%, 89.6% and 89.6, respectively, while after surgery with a bioprosthesis, they were 96.9%, 94.0%, 94.0% and 94.0%, respectively (p = 0.267). The factors associated with bleeding events were BMI (body mass index) greater than 30 kg/m2, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mechanical ventilation at an Intensive Care Unit for longer than 30 days and mitral regurgitation. The authors concluded that: 1) mortality during follow-up was statistically similar in both groups; 2) there was a greater tendency to reoperation in the bioprosthesis group; 3) the probability of survival free from reoperation did not change for patients with mechanical valves after 10 years’ follow-up; 4) the probability of survival free from bleeding events did not change after 10 years’ follow-up for bioprostheses patients; 5) patients’ baseline characteristics were the greatest determinants of late mortality after mitral valve replacement surgery; 6) the type of prosthesis fitted was not an independent predictive factor of any of the outcomes analyzed in the multivariate analysis.

Einleitung: Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Darstellung der Ergebnisse der Ross- Operation in der Kinderherzchirurgie der Universitätsmedizin Göttingen als Verfahren des AKE durch die eigene Pulmonalklappe (Autograft) bei Kindern und Jugendlichen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Haltbarkeit und Funktion des pulmonalen Autografts und der postoperativen Entwicklung des hypertrophierten linken Ventrikels. Zu diesem Zwecke wurden retrospektiv klinische Daten bezüglich der linksventrikulären Funktion und Haltbarkeit des pulmonalen Autografts und der klinischen Belastbarkeit ausgewertet. Patienten und Methoden: Untersucht wurden die Entwicklung der Neo-Aortenklappe (Autograftklappe) und des linken Ventrikels nach Ross-Operation bei 31 Patienten unter 21 Jahren, die zwischen 1994 und 2008 in Göttingen operiert wurden. Das Alter der untersuchten Patienten betrug zum Operationszeitpunkt zwischen 6 Monaten und 20 Jahren (Mittelwert: 133 Monate b= 11,1 Jahre). Der Nachbeobachtungszeitraum variierte zwischen 10 Monaten und 14 Jahren (Mittelwert: 67 Monate b= 5,6 Jahre). Retrospektiv wurden 2 verfügbare postoperative Echokardiographien bezüglich der Durchmesser des Aortenklappenrings, der Aortenwurzel, des sino-tubulären Übergangs, des LVESD, des LVEDD, des IVS und der linksventrikulären HW ausgewertet. Zur Vergleichbarkeit des untersuchten Kollektivs mit gesunden Kindern und Jugendlichen wurden mit Hilfe von Regressionskurven nach Daubeney et al. (1999) und Pettersen et al. (2008) Z-Werte für die gemessenen Durchmesser bestimmt und ihre Entwicklung durch statistische Methoden ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Im untersuchten Patientenkollektiv konnte kein signifikanter Anstieg der Z-Werte der Durchmesser der Neo-Aortenklappe und des linken Ventrikels beobachtet werden. Die Z-Werte des Neo-Aortenwurzel-Durchmessers und des LVEDD näherten sich im Verlauf signifikant den Normkurven an. Bei keinem Patienten wurde ein Ersatz des Autografts notwendig. 1 Patient benötigte eine operative Revision der Neo-Aortenklappe in Form einer supravalvul¨aren Kürzung und Ummantelung der Autograft-Wurzel bzw. des sino-tubulären Übergangs. Bei 15 Patienten kam es im Verlauf zu einer Autograftinsuffizienz ersten Grades. Diese beobachteten Einschränkungen der Neo-Aortenklappenfunktion im Sinne einer geringen oder trivialen Insuffizienz waren ohne klinische Relevanz. 1 Patientin verstarb unmittelbar postoperativ an einer intrazerebralen Blutung. Zu weiteren schwerwiegenden Komplikationen kam es nicht. Die Haltbarkeit des Pulmonalis-Ersatzes durch einen Homograft oder einen Xenograft war bereits innerhalb der ersten postoperativen Dekade limitiert. Im postoperativen Nachbeobachtungszeitraum benötigten 5 Patienten einen Austausch des Implantats. Bei den ausgetauschten Homografts handelte es sich in 3 Fällen um Pulmonalis-Homografts und in 2 Fällen um Aortenhomografts. Fazit: Die Ross-Operation ist ein Verfahren des AKE, das besonders für Kinder und Jugendliche auf Grund des Wachstumspotentials, der exzellenten Hämodynamik, der Regenerationsfähigkeit, der Infektresistenz, der uneingeschränkten natürlichen Funktion und der Athrombogenität besonders geeignet ist. Auch für Frauen mit Kinderwunsch und junge Männer mit Risikoprofil (durch Sport oder verletzungsträchtige Berufstätigkeit) oder Patienten mit Kontraindikation für eine Phenprocoumon-Therapie ist die Ross- Operation wegen der nicht notwendigen Marcumarisierung eine attraktive Behandlungsoption. Die befürchtete Dilatation des Autografts im Langzeitverlauf konnte nicht beobachtet werden.