Aims: The present study was performed to investigate the resistance to infection of the
Shelhigh SuperStentless valve.
Methods: Since February 2001, 320 patients received a SuperStentless bioprosthesis. The mean
age at implant was 74.0±8.4 years. Active endocarditis was present in 25 pts (7.8%).
Concomitant procedures were performed in 202 pts (63.1%), CABG in 126 pts (39.4%)
and MVR 63 pts (19.7%). The mean logistic Euroscore was 18.2% (range 1.4–93.6%). Patients
were followed for complications and hemodynamics. Echocardiography was performed at
discharge and thereafter yearly.
Results: Operative mortality was 6.3%. The mean valve size was 24.4±2.2mm. The effectiveness
was demonstrated by mean gradients (16.6±6.8mm Hg for size 21, 14.0±6.0mm Hg for size
23, 13.5±6.0mm Hg for size 25, 11.7±4.8mm Hg for size 27, 10.9±4.0mm Hg for size 29)
at discharge. The mean pressure gradient at discharge was 13.4±5.9mm Hg, at 1 year
14.3±4.9mm Hg and at 5 years 11.1±3.8mm Hg. Freedom from structural deterioration
was 100% at 5 years. Three valves were explanted for suspected endocarditis. None
of the three exhibited evidence of infection. Immunohistochemistry showed von Willebrand
factor positive cells. None of treated patients with active endocarditis needed to
be reoperated.
Conclusions: The results suggest that resistance to infection of the SuperStentless bioprosthesis
may be related to the formation of endothelial cells on the valve following implantation.
