J. Chambers et al., An echocardiographic description of the Sulzer Carbomedics Synergy ST (Labcor) porcine valve in the aortic position, J HEART V D, 9(5), 2000, pp. 661-666
Background and nim of the study: The Synergy ST (previously Labcor) valve i
s constructed from three separate porcine aortic cusps mounted on a scallop
ed, flexible, acetal copolymer stent. To date, no hemodynamic data describi
ng this valve have been published. The aim of this study was to describe th
e echocardiographic findings in a population of unselected patients.
Methods: One investigator, who was blinded to valve size, studied 84 patien
ts (31 females, 53 males; mean age 58 years; range: 19-83 years) at four ce
nters in Brazil. The valves were studied at a mean of 31 months after impla
ntation (range: 1-116 months). Mean gradient was calculated using the long
modified Bernoulli equation, effective orifice area (EOA) using the classic
al from of the continuity equation, and resistance as mean gradient/flow.
Results:There were no significant differences in peak transaortic velocity
and mean gradient between valves of different annulus size. However, EOA wa
s directly related (p = 0.0075) and resistance indirectly related to valve
size (p = 0.021, ANOVA). Trivial or mild regurgitation was seen in 31 patie
nts (37%), moderate in three (4%) and severe in two (2%). The regurgitation
was solely paraprosthetic in five patients, solely through the valve in 23
, and both in seven. Regurgitation through the valve usually occurred adjac
ent to the commissures.
Conclusion: The Synergy ST porcine valve has hemodynamics of forward flow s
imilar to that of other stented porcine valves.