Standardized Definitions for Bioprosthetic Valve Dysfunction Following Aortic or Mitral Valve Replacement

Bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) and bioprosthetic valve failure (BVF) may be caused by structural or nonstructural valve dysfunction. Both surgical and transcatheter bioprosthetic valves have limited durability because of structural valve deterioration. The main objective of this summary of experts participating in a virtual workshop was to propose standardized definitions for nonstructural and structural BVD and BVF following aortic or mitral biological valve replacement with the goal of facilitating research reporting and implementation of these terms in clinical practice. Definitions of structural BVF, based on valve reintervention or death, underestimate the true incidence of BVF. However, definitions solely based on the presence of high transprosthetic gradient at a given echocardiogram during follow-up overestimate the incidence of structural BVD and BVF. Definitions of aortic or mitral structural BVD must therefore include the confirmation by imaging of permanent structural changes to the leaflets alongside evidence of deterioration in valve hemodynamic function at echocardiography follow-up. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier on behalf of the American College of Cardiology Foundation

A Selective Review of Recent Developments in the Economic Growth Literature

The role of institutions in the process of economic growth and development has generated considerable interest among researchers over the past few decades. In particular, incorporating institutional variables into the established growth theories and empirics involves understanding the impact and mechanisms through which institutions affect growth. In surveying recent developments in the economic growth literature, this review pays attention to the resurgent institutionalist research trend and its implications for growth theory and empirical research on growth. Policy issues primarily focused on Asian Pacific developing countries are highlighted. Copyright © 2007 The Author Journal compilation © 2007 Crawford School of Economics and Government, The Australian National University and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd. .