Abstract 17074: Melody Valve for Surgical Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Replacement in Children With Small Annuli

Introduction: Current options for atrioventricular valve replacement are limited to mechanical valves and fixed diameter bioprostheses, with no options for annuli less than 15 mm diameter. Fixed diameter valves do not allow for expansion with somatic growth, necessitating frequent reoperation for replacement. An externally stented bovine jugular vein graft (Melody valve) has been modified for implantation in children with small annuli, with the potential for expansion as the child grows. Methods: Pediatric patients at 11 institutions in North America and Europe who underwent surgical implantation of Melody valve in the mitral or tricuspid positions were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcome measure was early valvular function, whereas secondary outcome measures included valve durability, mortality, and successful valve expansion. Results: Fifty patients underwent Melody valve implantation in the mitral (n=45) or tricuspid (n=5) position. Diagnosis was congenital MS (n=26), atrioventricular canal (n=18...