Excessive Pannus Overgrowth on the Aortic Side of Trifecta Valve Causing Severe Regurgitation

Structural valve deterioration represents the most important concern regarding the implantation of a biologic heart valve in young patients. Several strategies have been proposed to improve prosthesis design in order to optimize performance and durability. This report describes an early and specific mode of valve degeneration of prostheses with outward-mounted pericardial leaflets resulting from pannus overgrowth on the aortic side. This led to leaflet retraction in two consecutive cases 4 and 6 years after the first implantation of a Trifecta valve (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN).