Reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract using a Medtronic Freestyle aortic root bioprosthesis

Uncorrected, long-term pulmonary regurgitation leads to right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction in a significant percentage of patients. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after surgery to assess the effect of pulmonary valve replacement with the Medtronic Freestyle bioprosthesis on right ventricular function and volume in nine patients with pulmonary regurgitation or stenosis. Mean follow-up time was 26 (10) months. We observed a decrease in mean end-diastolic volume from 143.6 (85.1) mL/m(2) to 74.1 (12.6) mL/m(2) (P=.0.1 8) and, in end-systolic volume from 88.0(50.3) mL/m(2) to 35.8 (19.3) mL/m(2) (P=.016). In pulmonary valve disease, extensive follow-up by MRI is essential for timely evaluation of the degree of right ventricular dilation or dysfunction and for selecting a suitable time for valve replacement. The Medtronic Freestyle bioprosthesis is a good surgical choice for pulmonary valve replacement as its use is associated with low morbidity and mortality and the successful normalization of ventricular volumes.