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Ann Thorac Surg 2001;72:182-186
© 2001 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

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Original article: cardiovascular

Atrioventricular valve replacement in patients with a single ventricle

Accepted for publication March 29, 2001.

Address reprint requests to Dr Mahle, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th & Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104
e-mail: mahle{at}email.chop.edu

Background. Significant atrioventricular valve (AVV) insufficiency has been associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with single ventricle. Although many patients can be managed with valvuloplasty alone, some patients require AVV replacement. The optimal timing, outcome, and risk factors for AVV replacement in this population have not been described.

Methods. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with AVV replacement in patients with single ventricle from January 1984 to August 2000. Outcome variables included mortality and valve-related complications.

Results. Seventeen patients required AVV replacement. Prosthetic valve types included: St. Jude’s valve in 14, Bjork-Shiley in 1, Hall-Kaster in 1, and Carpentier-Edwards in 1. Valve size ranged from 17 to 33 mm. Median age at valve replacement was 3.0 years (range 7 days to 17.3 years). Of the 16 subjects with normal atrioventricular conduction preoperatively, 7 (44%) developed postoperative complete heart block. Hospital mortality was 29%. Hospital mortality decreased significantly from 56% in 1984 to 1993 to no deaths from 1994 to 2000 (p = 0.03). Younger age (less than 2 years) at operation was also a risk factor for hospital mortality (p = 0.03). There were four late deaths in this series and 1 patient underwent heart transplantation. Of the surviving patients, none has required replacement of the prosthetic valve. No patients have had cerebrovascular accident subsequent to AVV replacement. Functional status is New York Heart Association functional class I in 5, class II in 1, and Class III in 1.

Conclusions. Atrioventricular valve replacement can be performed in patients with single ventricle with acceptable morbidity and mortality. The development of postoperative complete heart block is common. Survival after AVV replacement has improved in recent years, and intervention before patients develop ventricular dysfunction and atrial arrhythmias may further improve outcome.

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