[Download]Aortic valve neocuspidization using the Ozaki technique: A meta-analysis of reconstructed patient-level data [pdf]

The concept of the ideal cardiac valve prosthesis is predicated upon optimized hemodynamics, minimal postoperative morbidity, lasting durability, and ultimately prolonged patient survival with superior quality of life. 1 Mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation and therefore predispose to hemorrhagic events. On the other hand, biological prostheses mount a chronic in- ﬂammatory response, are prone to structural degenera- tion, and typically require a reintervention within 10 to 15 years. 2 Efforts to replace aortic valve (AV) tissue with biological material such as fascia lata and pericardium date back to the 1960s. 3-5 Ozaki et al developed their AV reconstruction tech- nique at Toho University Ohashi Medical Center where they standardized the use of glutaraldehyde-treated au- tologous pericardium to perform trileaﬂet aortic valve