The standing of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation compared to surgery in a non-preselected cohort with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract – Reasons for failure and contraindications

Background Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) numbers are rising but are still minor compared to surgery due to several contraindications. We sought to analyze the impact of PPVI compared to standard surgery in an unselected cohort with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Reasons for PPVI failure and possible contraindications were explored. Methods Between 2010 and 2015 all consecutive patients who underwent surgery or intervention for a dysfunctional RVOT were investigated. Results A total of 382 cases was identified – 246 patients underwent successful valve insertion: 166 surgeries (166/246 = 67.4%) with 55/166 homografts (33.1%), 106 Contegra ® grafts (63.8%), 5 Hancock valves (3.0%). Overall, 70/246 patients presented a priori with an enlarged RVOT > 28 mm (28.5%) not appropriate for PPVI and 14/246 (5.7%) had additional defects necessitating surgery. Some 31/246 patients had surgery for initial repair of congenital defects or were too small ( ® valves (63.7%), 29 Melody valves (36.3%)]. The RVOT was too large for PPVI in 22/246 patients (8.9%). A total 20/246 patients (8.1%) showed coronary compression after balloon interrogation. In 4/246 patients PPVI was not possible due to technical issues (1.4%). Conclusion PPVI could be performed successfully in 80/382 patients (20.9%). An enlarged RVOT, small patient size, and coronary compression were the major obstacles for interventional management. Future developments for larger RVOTs and smaller body weight may expand the indication for PPVI.