Valve-sparing Reimplantation Research Articles

Easy Technique for Placing Anchoring Sutures for Aortic Root Reimplantation

In the aortic valve-sparing reimplantation technique, insertion of the anchoring sutures beneath the valve is a crucial but difficult step because the spared aortic cusps obscure the field of view. We present a novel and easy method of placing these anchoring stitches with good exposure of the subvalvular tissue.

Valve-Sparing Operation for Aortic Root Aneurysm Late After Mustard Procedure

The aortic valve reimplantation technique leads to excellent clinical outcome in patients with aortic valve incompetence and aneurysms of the ascending aorta. This technique is now applied for aneurysms of ascending aorta, aortic dissection type A, and even dilatation of pulmonary autograft after the Ross operation. We report a case of aortic root dilatation late after a Mustard operation for transposition of the great arteries that was successfully managed by valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation.

Aortic valve–sparing reimplantation for dilatation of the ascending aorta and aortic regurgitation late after repair of congenital heart disease

Aortic regurgitation resulting from progressive dilatation of the aortic root late after surgical correction of congenital heart disease is now widely recognized. We reviewed our experience with aortic valve-sparing operations to access the effectiveness of this approach. Three patients, aged 28, 31, and 32 years, had progressive dilatation of the ascending aorta and aortic regurgitation 25, 27, and 28 years, respectively, after surgical repair of complex congenital heart disease. At the time of reoperation, the maximum diameter of the aortic root ranged between 50 and 55 mm. All 3 patients survived the operation and were in New York Heart Association functional class II or less at a maximum of 9 years' follow-up. The most recent echocardiogram demonstrated mild or less aortic insufficiency with favorable systemic ventricular function. Aortic valve-sparing reimplantation is an effective treatment for aortic root dilatation and aortic regurgitation after corrective repair of complex congenital heart disease. This procedure leads to correction of aortic regurgitation, favorable durability of the native aortic valve, and excellent hemodynamics, avoiding a prosthetic valve and anticoagulation.

Aortic Valve–Sparing Operation in Marfan Syndrome: What Do We Know After a Decade?

We assessed the outcome in patients with Marfan syndrome operated on exclusively with the aortic valve-sparing reimplantation technique for aortic root aneurysms during more than a decade. Between July 1993 and April 2005, the aortic valve-sparing reimplantation technique (David I) was used in 325 patients. In 59 patients with clinical evidence of Marfan syndrome, procedures were done for aortic root aneurysm (n = 55) or aortic dissection type A (n = 4). Their mean age was 30 +/- 12 years (range, 9 to 62 years), and 37 (63%) were male. Additional procedures were arch replacement in 4 patients, coronary artery bypass grafting in 1, mitral valve surgery in 9, and closure of atrial septal defect in 3. Mean follow-up was 54 +/- 37 months (range, 0 to 139 months). No patient died during the first 30 days postoperatively. Mean bypass time was 163 +/- 34 minutes (range, 99 to 248 minutes), and mean aortic cross clamp time was 126 +/- 28 minutes (range, 78 to 202 minutes). Four patients (6.8%) required rethoracotomy for postoperative bleeding. Five late deaths (8.5%) occurred during follow-up. Reoperation of the reconstructed valve was required in 7 patients. Freedom from reoperation was 88% +/- 5% at 5 years and 80% +/- 9% at 10 years. Mean grade of aortic insufficiency was 1.81 preoperatively compared with 0.20 early postoperatively (p < 0.001). At last investigation, the mean grade of aortic insufficiency increased slightly to 0.22 (p = 0.16). Anticoagulation was not required in 67% of patients. One thromboembolic complication and four instances of minor bleeding were documented. All patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I (86%) or II at last contact. Excellent early outcome, favorable long-term results, and acceptable durability of the reimplanted valve should encourage use of this technique in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Should a reimplantation valve sparing procedure be done systematically in type A aortic dissection?

To evaluate the risks and benefits of a systematic reimplantation valve sparing procedure in the surgical treatment of type A aortic dissection (TAAD). From February December 2005, 15 consecutive patients (mean age 61+/-12 years) who underwent surgery for TAAD were analyzed prospectively. Eleven had a preoperative CT-scan and all had an echography. Eight patients presented with a preoperative aortic insufficiency>2/4 and seven had an ascending aortic aneurysm over 50mm. In 11 cases, arterial cannulation was performed directly into the ascending aorta. Surgical technique included complete resection and replacement of the ascending aorta using a reimplantation valve sparing technique (David), associated in 12 patients with an arch replacement, under mild (29.7+/-3.0 degrees C) hypothermia and cerebral selective antegrade perfusion. Aortic clamping, cerebral perfusion and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) times were respectively 93+/-29, 18+/-9, and 131+/-38min. Mean bleeding at 24h was 1165+/-846ml. Troponin I level at 24h was 21+/-30 microg/l. One patient had a right coronary artery bypass for a chronically occluded coronary. Another had a triple arterial revascularisation for pre-existing coronary dissection. One patient presented with a postoperative regressive right hemiparesia (normal CT-scan). Two patients underwent revision for bleeding (one was undergoing treatment by clopidogrel). One patient had at day 7 an implantation of a covered stentgraft on the descending aorta for a concomitant penetrating aortic ulcer. One patient died suddenly on POD 7 during a tracheal aspiration. Intubation and ICU times were respectively 9.5+/-16.3 and 16.2+/-20.9 days. Four patients with severe preoperative co morbidities had long intubations. Echographic and CT-scan control, done in postoperative and after a mean follow up of 11.0+/-4.8 months, did not show any residual aortic insufficiency (actuarial survival rate at 2 years of 93.3%). A reimplantation valve sparing procedure in the TAAD seems to be reliable and should be proposed systematically without emphasizing perioperative morbidity.

Early Results of Valve-Sparing Reimplantation Procedure Using the Valsalva Conduit: A Multicenter Study

This study evaluates the midterm clinical results of valve-preserving aortic root reconstruction by means of a modified conduit incorporating sinuses of Valsalva. During a 5-year period, 151 patients with aneurysm of the aortic root underwent a reimplantation type of valve-sparing procedure using the Gelweave Valsalva prosthesis that incorporates sinuses of Valsalva. There were 121 males (80.1%), and the mean age was 56.4 +/- 14.4 years (range, 14 to 83). Fourteen percent of the patients had Marfan syndrome and 8.6% had bicuspid aortic valve. Seven patients (4.6%) suffered from acute aortic dissection. Aortic replacement was extended to the arch in 14 patients (9.3%). Sixteen patients (10.6%) had associated cusp repair. In-hospital mortality was 3.3%, and it was significantly higher among patients operated on for acute dissection (p = 0.001) and in symptomatic patients (III-IV New York Heart Association class; p = 0.021). Follow-up (mean, 18 months; range, 1 to 60) was 100% complete. There were 2 late deaths. Ten patients (6.8%) had 3 to 4+ aortic regurgitation, and 8 of these required late aortic valve replacement. Cusp repair was associated with a high incidence of late aortic valve replacement (p = 0.005). At 5 years, freedom from aortic valve replacement and freedom from grade 3 to 4 aortic insufficiency was 90.8% +/- 3.3% and 88.7% +/- 3.6%, respectively. The reimplantation valve-sparing procedure with the Gelweave Valsalva prosthesis provides satisfactory results for patients with aortic root aneurysm. Aortic cusp repair may lead to late aortic insufficiency. Proper leaflet evaluation is of paramount importance in preventing residual valve regurgitation.

A simple modification of ‘David-V’ aortic root reimplantation

Valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation with creation of Dacron graft pseudosinuses is a popular and promising surgical choice for annuloaortic ectasia or ascending aortic aneurysm. We have developed a simple modification of the David-V technique, which facilitates free adjustment of the size of the new aortic annulus and the pseudosinus of each patient, as well as the creation of pseudosinuses of excellent shape, with only one Dacron graft.

Outcome of aortic valve sparing reimplantation surgery in Marfan's syndrome

Objective: To assess the outcome in patients with Marfan's syndrome operated exclusively with the aortic valve sparing reimplantation technique for aortic root aneurysms during more than a decade.

Decade of Aortic Valve Sparing Reimplantation

This single center study assesses the outcome of aortic valve sparing reimplantation (AVS) in 284 consecutive patients who were operated on for various indications during the last 11 years. From July, 1993, to July, 2004, 284 patients underwent AVS. Mean age was 53+/-16 (range 8 to 84) years. Of the 284 patients, 184 were male (64.8%) and 54 (19%) experienced Marfan's syndrome. Acute aortic dissection Stanford type A was present in 53 patients (19%) and a bicuspid aortic valve was present in 17 patients (6%). Concomitant arch replacement was necessary in 120 patients (42%). Additional procedures were performed in 66 patients (23.2%). Mean follow-up time was 41+/-32 (range 0 to 130) months. The 30-day mortality was 3.2% overall, 11.3% in emergency patients, and 1.3% in elective patients. Mean bypass time was 174+/-48 (range 90 to 440) minutes and aortic cross clamp time was 132+/-33 (range 64 to 283) minutes. In patients undergoing arch replacement, circulatory arrest was 25+/-17 (range 7 to 99) minutes. Rethoracotomy for bleeding was required in 4.6% of patients. During follow-up, there were 20 (7.3%) late deaths. Reoperation of the reconstructed valve was required in 15 patients (5.3%); underlying reasons were endocarditis (n=4) and aortic insufficiency (n=11) requiring aortic valve replacement. Average grade of aortic insufficiency increased significantly from 0.23+/-0.46 postoperatively to 0.34+/-0.59 at latest evaluation (P=0.026). Two patients experienced a transient ischemic attack early postoperatively; no further thromboembolic complications were noticed. The majority of patients (96%) presented with a favorable exercise tolerance at last contact. The aortic valve reimplantation technique leads to excellent clinical outcome in patients with various pathologies. Lack of anticoagulation and favorable durability should encourage the extension of indications for this technique.

Aortic Valve-Sparing Procedure With Cusp Elongation and Free Edge Reinforcement for Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Aortic valve-sparing procedures demonstrate excellent valvular function at midterm. Recently authors have reported acceptable early results with aortic valve-sparing procedures on patients with regurgitant bicuspid valves. We report the case of a novel procedure to preserve bicuspid valves with a calcified raphe and root dilatation. This procedure includes raphe excision, pericardial patch elongation, free edge leaflet reinforcement, and a root reimplantation valve-sparing procedure.

Aortic root surgery in Marfan syndrome: comparison of aortic valve-sparing reimplantation versus composite grafting

Objective The objective of this study was to compare the results of aortic valve-sparing reimplantation and aortic root replacement with mechanical valve conduits in patients with Marfan syndrome undergoing operation for aortic root aneurysms. Patients and methods Between March 1979 and April 2002, 119 patients with clinical evidence of Marfan syndrome underwent composite graft replacement with mechanical valve conduits (n = 74) or aortic valve-sparing reimplantation according to David (n = 45). The underlying causes were aortic dissection type A (43 patients) and aneurysms (76 patients). Results Patients undergoing aortic valve reimplantation were younger compared with patients undergoing composite grafting (28 vs 35 years, P = .002) and had longer intraoperative aortic crossclamp times (125 vs 78 minutes, P < .0001) and extracorporeal circulation times (162 vs 124 minutes, P < .0001). Early postoperative mortality was 6.8% (n = 5) in patients undergoing composite grafting and 0% in patients undergoing aortic valve reimplantation ( P = .15). Mean follow-up was 30 months for patients undergoing aortic valve reimplantation and 114 months for patients undergoing composite grafting. Freedom from reoperation and death after 5 years postoperatively was 92% and 89% in patients undergoing composite grafting and 84% and 96% in patients undergoing aortic valve reimplantation ( P = .31; P = .54), respectively. Thromboembolic complications or late postoperative bleeding occurred in 17 patients undergoing composite grafting, and an early postoperative event occurred in 1 patient undergoing aortic valve reimplantation. Conclusions The results of aortic valve reimplantation and composite grafting of the aortic valve and ascending aorta with mechanical valve conduits are similar with regard to early and mid-term postoperative mortality and to the incidence of late reoperations in patients with Marfan syndrome. The low risk of thromboembolic or bleeding complications favors aortic valve reimplantation in these patients.

Up to 7 years’ experience with valve-sparing aortic root remodeling/reimplantation for acute type a dissection

Background Aortic valve-sparing operations for acute type A dissection are appealing and innovative but less well defined surgical techniques requiring further evaluation. Methods We reviewed all consecutive patients with acute type A dissection who underwent either the remodeling (group 1, n = 21) or the reimplantation valve-sparing technique (group 2, n = 15) since October 1994. Patients were followed up clinically and echocardiographically for as long as 41.3 months (group 1) and 87 months (group 2). Results Hospital mortality was 19% (n = 4) for group 1 and 20% (n = 3) for group 2. Permanent new neurologic symptomatology occurred in 1 patient (3.6%). Three patients in group 1 required reoperation owing to redissection. No patient had an aortic insufficiency of more than grade 1. No late neurologic or thrombembolic events occurred. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups with respect to clinical and hemodynamic data. Conclusions Remodeling and reimplantation aortic valve-preserving operations in acute type A dissection can be performed with adequate perioperative risk and excellent midterm aortic valve function. We found no evidence of one technique being superior to the other, however durability of the remodeling technique needs critical consideration especially in Marfan syndrome and when glue is used.

Aortic Repair in Marfan's Syndrome: Prevention of Mechanical Leaflets Damage

Aortic incompetence in Marfan's syndrome results from distortion or dilatation of the sinuses of Valsalva, annuloaortic ectasia or a combination of these problems. Valve leaflets in these patients are macroscopically normal in spite of aortic insufficiency. Replacement of the ascending aorta, root and aortic valve with a composite graft was, for a long time, the treatment of choice for Marfan patients. Valve-preserving procedures (remodeling or reimplantation) provide the advantages of avoiding the shortcomings of standard surgical techniques, and maintaining the functional integrity of the left ventricular (LV) outflow tract, aortic root and ascending aorta. We developed a modified valve-sparing reimplantation technique for avoiding leaflet damage. This was achieved by leaving a ‘cushion’ of aortic wall (8–10 mm) that, sewn on the Dacron graft, works as a ‘damper’ and prevents leaflets injury during the systolic opening of the valve. For final judgment of this operative method long-term results are necessary.

Aortic repair in Marfan's syndrome: prevention of mechanical leaflets damage

Aortic incompetence in Marfan's syndrome results from distortion or dilatation of the sinuses of Valsalva, annuloaortic ectasia or a combination of these problems. Valve leaflets in these patients are macroscopically normal in spite of aortic insufficiency. Replacement of the ascending aorta, root and aortic valve with a composite graft was, for a long time, the treatment of choice for Marfan patients. Valve-preserving procedures (remodeling or reimplantation) provide the advantages of avoiding the shortcomings of standard surgical techniques, and maintaining the functional integrity of the left ventricular (LV) outflow tract, aortic root and ascending aorta. We developed a modified valve-sparing reimplantation technique for avoiding leaflet damage. This was achieved by leaving a ‘cushion’ of aortic wall (8–10 mm) that, sewn on the Dacron graft, works as a ‘damper’ and prevents leaflets injury during the systolic opening of the valve. For final judgment of this operative method long-term results are necessary.