ObjectiveTo investigate clinical outcomes of aortic valve replacement (AVR)for surgical treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS)and left ventricular dysfunction (LVD).
MethodsClinical data of 29 patients with severe AS and LVD (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 0.50)who underwent AVR in Changhai Hospital between January 2000 and December 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with mitral stenosis were excluded from this study. There were 22 male and 7 female patients with their age of 14-76 (56.3±12.9)years. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and echocardiographic findings were compared to assess AVR effects. Possible risk factors affecting postoperative recovery of left ventricular function were analyzed according to postoperative LVEF changes.
ResultsOne patient died within 30 days after AVR. In the other 28 patients, postoperative aortic pressure gradient (APG)decreased from 97.6±25.1 mm Hg to 25.0±9.7 mm Hg, while LVEF increased from 41%±6% to 56%±11%. Postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic/systolic diameter/volume all significantly improved (all P < 0.001).
ConclusionsAVR is an effective treatment for patients with severe AS and LVD. Left ventricular function improves significantly in most patients after AVR. Patients with a less dilated left ventricle may have a better LVEF recovery.
