Abstract 4281: Does Preoperative Aortic Insufficiency Affect Outcome Following Aortic Valve Sparing Surgery?

Abstract

Aortic valve (AV) sparing surgery is an attractive option for the treatment of aortic root pathology. However, presence of significant preoperative aortic insufficiency (AI) or the need for cusp repair has been associated with poorer outcome. We analyze the influence of preoperative AI severity and the need for cusp repair on the early and mid-term outcomes of AV sparing surgery. From 1996 to 2007, 134 consecutive patients underwent elective AV sparing surgery. (mean age − 52±16 years; 84% male). Significant preoperative AI (3+ or 4+) was present in 83 patients (62%) and 46 (34%) had a bicuspid valve. Root repair was performed with either the reimplantation (67%) or remodeling technique (33%). A systematic approach was used for intraoperative valve assessment and cusp repair was performed in 74 patients (55%). Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was complete in 100% and 96% respectively at a mean follow-up time of 57 months (range: 12–147 months). Kaplan-Meier curves, log rank test, and Cox regression analyses were used. Hospital mortality was 0.7%. AV cusp repair was required in 53% of patients without significant AI and in 57% with significant AI (p=0.9). Cusp repair was required more frequently in bicuspid versus tricuspid valves (89% vs. 38%, p = 0.005). Overall survival at 5 and 8 years was 94±5% and 86±10% respectively. Freedom from recurrent AI (>2+) was similar with or without significant preoperative AI (90±10% vs. 86±10% at 5 years, p=0.5) and with or without cusp repair (87±11% vs. 89±10%, p=0.6; Figure 1). Freedom from AV reoperation at 5 years was similar with or without significant preoperative AI (94±6% vs. 89±8%, p=0.5) and with and without cusp repair (90±9% vs. 91±8%, p=0.8). With a systematic approach to valve assessment and cusp repair, AV sparing surgery for aortic root pathology has an acceptable early and mid-term outcome, irrespective of preoperative AI or need for cusp repair. Cusp repair is not predicted by presence of preoperative AI but is more frequent in bicuspid valves. Preoperative AI should not be considered a contra-indication for valve sparing surgery.