Early outcomes of aortic valve neocuspidization (the Ozaki procedure): Initial experience of a single centre

INTRODUCTION: Aortic valve neocuspidization (AVNeo) using fixed autologous pericardium, also known as the Ozaki technique, is an effective therapy for treating aortic valvulopathies. It serves as an alternative to complex aortic valve repair, offering better hemodynamics compared to biological or mechanical valve replacement, without the need for lifelong anticoagulation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the immediate and early outcomes of our initial experience with the AVNeo procedure in a spectrum of aortic valve diseases. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, seventeen AVNeo procedures were performed between March 2023 and October 2023 at our center. All patients completed one year of follow-up. Outcomes were assessed by echocardiographic evaluation postoperatively and at one year, including complications and mortality. RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 7 to 77 years (mean 35.2 ± 22.4 years), with 3 females among the 17 patients. Aortic valve morphology was bicuspid in 6 (35.3 %) and tricuspid in 11 (64.7 %) patients. Twelve patients had aortic stenosis as the primary pathology, and five had moderate to severe aortic regurgitation. In aortic stenosis patients, the preoperative mean peak gradient was 82.3 ± 20.3 mmHg, and mean gradient was 48.9 ± 18.5 mmHg. Postoperatively, mean peak gradient reduced to 9 ± 5.3 mmHg, and mean gradient to 16.7 ± 9.1 mmHg. Two patients required conversion to prosthetic valve replacement for progressive aortic regurgitation. There was no mortality at one year, though one patient developed severe aortic regurgitation. CONCLUSION: AVNeo is a feasible, reproducible procedure with favorable early outcomes, low pressure gradients, and mild regurgitation at one year. It is a cost-effective option, particularly in resource-limited settings like India.