Midterm evaluation of the Sorin Bicarbon heart valve prosthesis: single-center experience

Background The purpose of this study was to perform midterm evaluation of the clinical performance of the Sorin Bicarbon mechanical heart valve prosthesis. Methods From November 1992 to December 2002, 328 patients underwent isolated aortic (AVR; 156) or mitral (MVR; 172) valve replacement with the Sorin Bicarbon mechanical valve. Concomitant surgery was performed in 83 patients (25.2%). Results Total hospital mortality was 5.2%. Survival at 7 years was 79.5% for AVR and 82.4% for MVR. Kaplan-Meier freedoms from valve-related complications were as follows: thromboembolism 92.7% (AVR 94.8%, MVR 92.1%); bleeding 93% (AVR 91.9%, MVR 94.5%); nonstructural dysfunction 96.6% (AVR 94.7%; MVR 97.9%); endocarditis 97.7% (AVR 97.4%, MVR 98.1%); and reoperation 95.7% (AVR 96.6%, MVR 93.9%). Overall freedom from valve-related death was 93.2% (AVR 99.3%, MVR 91.2%). At the end of follow-up, 88.9% of survivors were in New York Heart Association class I or II. Conclusions The Sorin Bicarbon valve is a satisfactory mechanical valve prosthesis with low mortality and morbidity and good functional results.