Aortic valve reconstruction with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium for aortic valve disease

1.1 Aortic valve reconstruction with glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium for aortic valve disease should be used only in research. Find out what only in research means on the NICE interventional procedures guidance page.

1.2 Further research could include the analysis of registry data or similar observational data to investigate patient selection and long-term outcomes, particularly the durability of the valve. Randomised controlled trials would also be useful to address uncertainties.

Why the committee made these recommendations

There is some short-term and medium-term evidence for this procedure. The evidence suggests that it works well, with survival rates of around 90% after 10 years and only a small proportion of people needing another operation within 5 years. But there is a lack of long-term evidence (here more than 20 years), which is important because mechanical valve alternatives can last for over 25 years. This is particularly relevant for young people who are expected to live for a few decades with the condition. It is also not clear how well the procedure works or how safe it is in different groups of people with aortic valve disease. So, more research is needed.