Straightforward Contemporary Step-by-Step Approach to Aortic Root Replacement With Valve-Sparing Tricuspid Aortic Valve Repair

Abstract

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) has become an appealing choice for replacing an aneurysmal root when the patient's anatomic characteristics are favorable, especially in patients with heritable thoracic aortic disease. It is a technically challenging procedure, and the learning curve is considerable. This approach's chief advantages are that the patient's own aortic valve apparatus is preserved, the repair (in expert hands) is durable, and it avoids the need for lifelong anticoagulation associated with the mechanical valves in the aortic root prostheses. In this report, we provide a step-by-step approach for aortic root replacement in patients with a tricuspid aortic valve suitable for VSARR. Valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) has become an appealing choice for replacing an aneurysmal root when the patient's anatomic characteristics are favorable, especially in patients with heritable thoracic aortic disease. It is a technically challenging procedure, and the learning curve is considerable. This approach's chief advantages are that the patient's own aortic valve apparatus is preserved, the repair (in expert hands) is durable, and it avoids the need for lifelong anticoagulation associated with the mechanical valves in the aortic root prostheses. In this report, we provide a step-by-step approach for aortic root replacement in patients with a tricuspid aortic valve suitable for VSARR. Commentary on Baylor's Technique of Aortic Valve ReimplantationOperative Techniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryPreviewDoctors Preventza, Huu, and Coselli described the technique they use to do reimplantation of the aortic valve to treat aortic root aneurysms.1 I will limit my comments to areas that I disagree with what was written in their manuscript. Full-Text PDF