Key result
Epic Max porcine aortic valve demonstrates excellent early hemodynamics with a 9.0 mmHg mean gradient.
Why the study?
Pre-emptive surgical valve selection is key for long-term lifetime management of aortic stenosis and future valve-in-valve procedures, prompting early evaluation of the Epic Max valve.
Observational (n=50)
No
The Epic Max porcine aortic valve demonstrates excellent early hemodynamic performance with low postoperative gradients, supporting its potential suitability for future valve-in-valve procedures.
May aid pre-emptive valve selection for future ViV; leaves open durability and performance in larger prospective studies.
Background Lifetime management of aortic stenosis has become a major focus of ongoing research. As valve-in-valve (ViV) procedures gain more relevance, pre-emptive surgical valve selection plays a key component of long-term planning. We report our early hemodynamic experience with the porcine Epic Max valve, which was engineered to improve compatibility with future ViV procedures. Methods Between August 2024 and May 2025, a total of 50 Epic Max valves were implanted at our center. Baseline characteristics, operative details, and postoperative hemodynamic data were measured postoperatively and at a second early (median 32 days) follow-up. Results The median age was 72.7 years (IQR 70.7-75.3), and 92% were males. Procedures were performed via a trans-axillary approach in 52%, median sternotomy in 44%, and mini-sternotomy in 4% of cases. The median preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction was 60% (IQR 45-65). The overall mean pressure gradient (MPG) was 10.0 mm Hg (IQR 9.0-13.0) postoperatively, and 9.0 mm Hg (IQR 8.0-11.5) at 2nd follow-up. Corresponding peak gradients were 19 mm Hg (IQR 17.0-29.0) postoperatively and 17.7 mm Hg (IQR 15.0-23.9) at 2nd follow-up. For 23 mm valves (n = 30), MPG was 10.0 mm Hg (IQR 9.0-12.8), and 9.0 mm Hg (IQR 8.0-11.0) at 2nd follow-up. For 25 mm valves (n = 17), MPG was 11.0 mm Hg (IQR 8.5-14.0), and 8.0 mm Hg (IQR 7.0-10.0) at 2nd follow-up. Conclusion The Epic Max valve showed excellent early hemodynamic performance with low postoperative gradients (<10 mm Hg). Its design supports future ViV procedures, though ViV outcomes remain to be determined.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Al‐Tawil et al. (2026) conducted an observational in aortic stenosis (n=50). Epic Max porcine aortic valve was evaluated on overall mean pressure gradient (MPG) at early follow-up. The Epic Max porcine aortic valve demonstrated excellent early hemodynamic performance, with an overall mean pressure gradient of 9.0 mm Hg at a median 32-day follow-up.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: