Effect of aortic valve replacement on plasma soluble P-selectin, von Willebrand factor, and fibrinogen

We measured indexes of platelet activation (soluble P-selectin), endothelia l dysfunction (von Willebrand factor), and fibrinogen in 54 patients who un derwent aortic valve replacement (AVR): after mechanical AVR implantation, there was a significant increase in plasma levels of soluble P-selectin and von Willebrand factor levels 3 months after surgery, with no change in mea n plasma fibrinogen levels. No significant changes in measured indexes were noted in patients undergoing biologic AVR, suggesting that mechanical AVR results in abnormal endothelial damage and/or dysfunction and platelet acti vation, which is not apparent among patients undergoing this procedure.