Adrian Acuna Higaki

Dr. Adrian Acuna Higaki

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 April 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SDSedem Dankwa
Sedem Dankwa
EEEly Erez
Ely Erez
AHAdrian Acuna Higaki
Adrian Acuna Higaki
SVShiv Verma
Shiv Verma
IHIrbaz Hameed
Irbaz Hameed
PVPrashanth Vallabhajosyula
Prashanth Vallabhajosyula
Background: In 2020, the first pre-assembled bioprosthetic aortic valved conduit (AVC) was approved in the United States. This study compares its anatomic and functional outcomes to traditional hand-sewn composite conduits in patients undergoing aortic root replacement. Methods: This retrospective study compared 118 patients receiving the pre-assembled AVC (2021–2023) versus 66 patients with hand-sewn conduits (2012–2020) after elective bio-Bentall procedures. Primary outcomes were post-operative mortality and complication rates. Secondary outcomes included anatomic and hemodynamic changes. Graft dimensions were obtained from post-operative computed tomography (CT). Echocardiographic parameters were collected at early and late follow-up. Between-group differences and longitudinal changes were assessed using linear mixed-effects models. Results: Groups were comparable in age (pre-assembled 63 ± 11 vs. hand-sewn 64 ± 11 years) and predominantly male. Despite significantly higher concomitant hemiarch rates in pre-assembled conduits (91.5% vs. 28.8%, p < 0.001), 30-day mortality, stroke, and reoperation for bleeding were comparable between groups. Pre-assembled conduits demonstrated superior hemodynamics with lower baseline peak gradients (Δ 9.1 mmHg, p < 0.001), lower mean gradients (Δ 5.3 mmHg, p < 0.001), and larger indexed effective orifice area (Δ 0.27 cm2/m2, p = 0.018). Annual rates of hemodynamic and dimensional change were minimal and comparable between groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no survival difference at 3 years. Conclusions: The pre-assembled AVC demonstrates equivalent safety and superior early hemodynamic performance compared to hand-sewn conduits, with stable mid-term anatomic and functional outcomes.