Initial experience with the new percutaneous pulmonary self-expandable Venus P-valve

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation is currently a common procedure in patients with congenital heart disease with a dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract. Until April 2022, there were only balloon-expandable valves available in Europe, which did not cover the needs of the different anatomies of the right ventricular outflow tract. Since that date we have available the self-expandible Venus P-valve (Venus MedTech, China). We present the initial experience with this new percutaneous pulmonary valve in our center. Methods: Description of the valve implants with the new self-expandible valve performed between September and November 2022. Results: Eight valve implants have been performed, all successful and without severe complications during the procedure. All patients had severe pulmonary regurgitation with a dilated right ventricle and severe dilatation of the pulmonary trunk and were not good candidates for percutaneous balloon-expandable valves. Five patients had a tetralogy of Fallot. In 7 patients, the implant was performed through the femoral vein and in one through jugular access. As a safety measure, all valves were implanted through a DrySeal sheath (Gore, W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., United States). The mean hospital stay was 3-day. Conclusions: Valve implantation with the new self-expandible Venus P-valve was, in our preliminary experience, a safe and feasible procedure, allowing us to treat very dilated right outflow tracts, not suitable for the current balloon-expandable valves.