Remodeling of the aortic root combined to an expansible aortic ring annuloplasty

Abstract

Aortic root aneurysms are characterized by dilation of both functional aortic annulus diameters (aortic annular base and sino-tubular junction), preventing coaptation of otherwise pliable valves often associated with cusp prolapse. Multiple techniques of aortic valve sparing procedures try to restore the complex interplay of aortic valve and root function in order to improve durability of the repair. Ideally, procedures should treat dilatation of the aortic annular base, while preserving dynamics of the aortic root with vortices (neosinuses of Valsalva) and root expansibility (interleaflet triangles). We describe a standardized approach, combining the advantages of both the remodeling and reimplantation technique by adding an external subvalvular ring annuloplasty to the physiological remodeling of the aortic root. To address the need for a dedicated aortic annuloplasty device, a new expansible aortic ring was designed in order to achieve a complete and calibrated annuloplasty in diastole, while maintaining systolic expansibility of the aortic root.