Rev Med Chil. 2026 Feb;154(2):211-221. doi: 10.4067/s0034-98872026000200211. Epub 2026 Apr 6.
ABSTRACT
Aortic valve neocuspidization, as described by Dr. Ozaki, is a surgical technique that uses the patient's own pericardium to reconstruct the aortic valve leaflets. To evaluate the operative and short-term outcomes in the first adult patients treated with this technique.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included patients who underwent aortic valve neocuspidization between March 2019 and December 2024 (n=61) at Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital, Concepción, Chile. Operative outcomes, survival, need for reintervention, as well as clinical and echocardiographic results, were assessed through July 31, 2025.
RESULTS: Of the 61 patients, 43 were male, with a mean age of 52.6±12.3 years. Aortic stenosis was the most common pathology, present in 45 patients. Nine patients had active endocarditis. The mean preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 57.1±12.2%. All procedures were elective. Eight patients underwent additional procedures (3 coronary artery bypass surgeries, 3 mitral valve repairs, 1 tricuspid valve repair, and 1 ventricular septal defect closure). Two cases required conversion to prosthetic valve replacement. There was no operative mortality. The mean follow-up duration was 34±14.4 months. The maximum transvalvular gradients at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 10.7, 13.5, 14.3, and 21.5 mmHg, respectively. Four patients developed moderate-to-severe regurgitation (> grade 3). Three patients required reoperation at 2, 4, and 7 months postoperatively. There were two deaths during the follow-up period. The estimated 5-year survival free from major cardiovascular events (death, regurgitation > grade 3, endocarditis, or reoperation) was 78.9%.
CONCLUSION: Aortic valve neocuspidization using the Ozaki technique is a reproducible procedure with a low rate of complications. It may serve as an effective alternative treatment for selected patients with aortic valve disease.
PMID:42024692 | DOI:10.4067/s0034-98872026000200211