Aortic valve replacement with pericardial valves in patients with small aortic roots. Clinical results in a consecutive series of patients receiving 19 and 21 mm prostheses

OBJECTIVE: To determine how second generation pericardial valves perform in patients with small aortic roots. DESIGN: Ninety patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) with 19 or 21 mm Mitroflow or Carpentier-Edwards (Perimount) valves between 1989 and 1996 were studied. Mean age was 78 years. Concomitant coronary bypass surgery was performed in 41%. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 5.6%. Ninety-seven percent had acceptable transprosthetic mean pressure gradients (25 mmHg or less) 1 week after surgery. Follow-up was 100% complete and 76% of the patients were alive after a mean of 5 years. There was no structural valve failure or valve thrombosis. One patient required reoperation for perivalvular leak. Four patients had transient ischemic attacks and seven had strokes. These figures are, however, within the expected range for the age. CONCLUSION: Second generation pericardial valves perform well in elderly patients with small aortic roots. Postoperative hemodynamics are acceptable, valve durability of up to 8 years adequate, and the clinical results good, considering the age of the patients.     

Aortic valve repair with pericardial leaflet extension for aortic valve insufficiency

Background: This article presents our intermediate term results of pericardial leaflet extension used in various complex pathologies of the aortic valve leading to aortic regurgitation. Methods: Sixteen patients had aortic insufficiency/regurgitation with deficient leaflet tissues so that repair was performed with pericardial leaflet extension. The mean patient age was 26.6 years and 69% were male. Two patients (13%) were in NYHA class I, 12 patients (75%) were in class II and 2 patients (13%) were in class III preoperatively. Six patients (38%) had a bicuspid aortic valve and 10 patients (63%) had a tricuspid aortic valve. Eight patients (50%) had moderate and 8 patients (50%) had severe aortic insufficiency (AI) preoperatively. Two patients (13%) had associated cardiac procedures at the time of aortic repair. Results: There were no operative deaths but 3 patients died in the late postoperative period. Five patients underwent subsequent aortic valve replacement or a Ross procedure at re-operation. The most common finding during re-operation was thickening of the leaflet extension or rolling in of the edges of the leaflet extension. Freedom from aortic valve re-operation at five years postoperation was 68% (standard error 14). Late follow-up revealed that 9 patients (56%) were in NYHA class I and 7 patients (44%) were in class II. Ten (63%) patients had mild AI and 6 patients (37%) had moderate AI at most recent follow-up. Conclusions: Absence of hospital mortality, freedom from embolic events and echocardiography evidence of immediate competency of the valve are the reliable indicators of this surgical technique.     

Aortic Valve Surgery in Congenital Heart Disease: A Single‐Center Experience

The optimal treatment of congenital aortic valve lesions is a controversial issue. This study was performed to evaluate the outcome after surgical treatment of aortic valve lesions in congenital aortic valve disease. Between the years of 2000 and 2008, 61 patients (mean age: 12.6 ± 9.6 years, range: 1 day to 40 years) underwent aortic valve surgery for congenital aortic valve disease. Twenty‐four patients had undergone previous cardiovascular operations. Indications for surgery were aortic regurgitation in 14.7% (n = 9), aortic stenoses in 26.2% (n = 16), and mixed disease in 59.1% (n = 36). The Ross procedure was performed in 37.7% (n = 23), aortic valve replacement with biological or mechanical prostheses in 29.5% (n = 18). Concomitant procedures were performed in 91.8% (n = 56) due to associated congenital cardiac defects. The overall mortality rate was 5%. Six patients needed reoperation. Implantation of permanent pacemakers occurred in six patients for permanent atrioventricular block. At the latest clinical evaluation, all survivors are in New York Heart Association class I–II and are living normal lives. Aortic valve surgeries in patients with congenital heart disease have had low mortality and morbidity rates in our series. Surgical technique as well as timing should be tailored for each patient. Aortic valve replacement should be delayed until the implantation of an adult‐sized prosthesis is possible.     

Results of prosthetic valve replacement for aortic stenosis

Background: Aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves is associated with a small but constant risk of valve thrombosis and thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications. The surgical outcome of patients with Aortic Stenosis who had aortic valve replacement with mechanical valves is reported here. Methods: Between January 1990 and October 1999, 275 patients underwent prosthetic valve replacement for isolated aortic stenosis. The age ranged between 13 years and 75 years and 230 were males. The cause of aortic stenosis was rheumatic in 185 patients (67.3%), followed by bicuspid aortic valve in 75 patients (27.3%) and degenerative in 15 patients (5.4%). Results: The early mortality was 1.5%. The follow up was 96% complete and ranged from 1 to 104 months (mean 54±24.5months). Six patients (2.2%) developed prosthetic valve endocarditis. Paravalvular leak occurred in 3 (0.9%) patients. Valve thrombosis occurred in 10 patients (1.0% per patient year). The actuarial survival was 81±7% at 5 years and 64±13% at 8 years. Event free survival was 40±14% at 8 years. Conclusion: With current operative techniques and myocardial preservation aortic stenosis patients are at low risk for surgery. However, long term survival is limited due to prosthesis related complications.     

保留主动脉瓣主动脉根部置换术治疗主动脉根部瘤的疗效分析

目的评价使用保留主动脉瓣主动脉根部置换术治疗主动脉根部瘤的临床应用疗效。方法 2001年2月至2010年9月阜外心血管病医院对60例主动脉根部瘤患者行保留主动脉瓣主动脉根部置换术,其中男44例,女16例;年龄9～64(37.2±13.0)岁。主动脉夹层15例,升主动脉瘤10例,马方综合征25例,主动脉瓣二瓣化畸形2例。行主动脉根部重建术53例,主动脉瓣瓣叶再植术7例。比较术前、术后心功能及主动脉瓣反流程度等指标。结果全组中无手术死亡和严重并发症发生,呼吸机使用时间中位数为13(2～1 110)h,住ICU时间1～18(2.7±2.5)d。术后复查超声心动图提示:主动脉瓣反流程度均明显减轻,仅3例为中大量反流,其余无反流或微少量反流。术后随访2～122(61.5±35.9)个月,随访56例,失访4例,随访期间死亡9例,生存率83.9%(47/56)。2例因主动脉瓣反流分别于术后13个月和14个月再次入院行主动脉瓣置换术。47例患者心功能较术前明显改善,心功能Ⅰ级35例(74.4%),Ⅱ级8例(17.0%)。免于主动脉瓣中重度反流40例(85.1%)。结论保留瓣叶的主动脉根部置换术治疗主动脉根部瘤的远期疗效满意,瓣膜相关并发症发生率低。     

Operative Outcome of Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Standard Procedure

Background: to determine the advantages and/or risks of minimal access aortic valve replacement compared to standard sternotomy procedure.

Methods: from January 1997 to December 2001, 271 consecutive adult patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement of which 174 underwent a minimal access procedure (Group 1) and 97 a standard procedure (Group 2).The preoperative variables of both groups were comparable. Retrospective analysis of postoperative outcome was performed. Results: follow-up was complete and ranged from 6 months to 4 years. Overall in-hospital mortality was 3.3% (respectively 2.8 and 4.1%). No statistical difference was noted regarding operative time variables, mortality rate and hospital stay. There was a significant higher incidence of revision (p = 0.018) and late pericardial effusion (p = 0.022) in the minimal access group. Also trends were in favour of the standard group for incidence of postoperative pneumothorax and pericarditis constrictiva.

Conclusions: minimal access aortic valve replacement is a safe and reliable technique, but carries the risk of incision-related morbidity. Proper patient selection and perioperative management is mandatory.     

Aortic Surgery After Previous Procedure of Congenital Aortic Stenosis

Irrespective of previous procedure in congenital aortic stenosis, aortic surgery later in life may be indicated. The aim of the present study was the analysis of indications, risks, and outcomes of aortic surgery after previous aortic valve procedure. The data of patients who underwent aortic surgery after previous treatment of congenital aortic stenosis in a 10‐year period (from 2000 to 2009) were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty‐two patients (23 male and 9 female) underwent redo aortic surgery. The mean age at surgery was 13.5 ± 11.3 years. Seventeen patients had undergone initial aortic balloon valvuloplasty (BVP) and 15 patients open commissurotomy (COM). Nine cases had undergone the primary procedure at neonatal age and two patients had undergone cardiac surgery before the initial aortic valve procedure. Seven of the patients with previous COM (43.8%) had undergone concomitant surgery along with initial commissurotomy. A reintervention within the first year after the primary procedure was performed in seven patients (seven after BVP and none after COM; P < 0.05). The interval between the last intervention and the first redo aortic surgery was 7.5 ± 9.5 years (3.1 ± 3.5 years after BVP vs. 12.5 ± 11.7 years after COM; P < 0.05). A second redo surgery was performed in nine patients (four after initial BVP and five after COM). Congenital aortic stenosis is very often presented in combination with additional pathologies. These concomitant diseases along with the underlying disease give the indication for reoperation. Reinterventions are more often indicated after primary BVP. Long follow‐up in specialized centers is mandatory.     

主动脉瓣环扩大联合环上瓣置换术治疗成人小瓣环主动脉瓣狭窄近中期疗效分析

目的评价主动脉瓣环扩大联合环上瓣置换术治疗成人小瓣环主动脉瓣狭窄的近中期结果。方法对2007年1月至2011年7月北京安贞医院心外科38例成人小瓣环主动脉瓣狭窄患者行主动脉瓣环扩大后植入环上型人工瓣膜,男12例、女26例,年龄16~58（38.6±21.0）岁,体重48~78（58.5±12.0）kg,身高153~176（162.8±12.0）cm,体表面积（1.67±0.32）m2。风湿性主动脉瓣狭窄19例,先天性主动脉瓣二叶瓣畸形合并狭窄11例,主动脉瓣退行性钙化伴狭窄5例,主动脉瓣狭窄合并感染性心内膜炎3例。入院时心功能分级（NYHA）Ⅱ级8例,Ⅲ级29例,Ⅳ级1例。主动脉瓣环内径15~20（17.6±2.8）mm,平均跨瓣压差53~75（62.8±10.5）mm Hg。结果体外循环时间83~145（112±29）min,升主动脉阻断时间58~116（87±28）min,手术中测瓣器测得主动脉瓣环径15~20（17.3±2.6）mm,扩大瓣环后测瓣器测得瓣环径20~25（22.6±2.3）mm,主动脉瓣环周径增加12~17（14.0±2.6）mm,植入瓣膜增加2~3个标号。无围手术期死亡,无出血等严重并发症。住ICU时间12~41（26±14）h,总住院时间9~15（12.5±3.2）d。37例（97.4%）门诊随访2年以上,所有患者心功能分级（NYHA）Ⅰ级,3例主动脉瓣听诊区存在2/6级收缩期杂音。35例心电图显示左心室肥厚心电图表现显著改善或消失,2例表现为左心室轻度肥厚劳损,无明显心肌缺血表现,无室性心律失常及严重房室传导阻滞。结论主动脉瓣环扩大联合环上瓣置换术治疗成人小瓣环主动脉瓣狭窄近中期效果满意,远期结果有待进一步随访。     

Aortic valve replacement in patients with previous cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND: Whether minimally diseased aortic valves should be replaced during other necessary cardiac operations remains controversial. Part of the decision-making process in that issue revolves around the risks of subsequent aortic valve replacement. This study evaluated the results of aortic valve replacement in patients following prior cardiac surgery. METHODS: From February, 1984 through December, 2001 first-time aortic valve replacement was performed in 132 consecutive patients who had previous cardiac surgery utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass. Of those patients 89 (67%) had aortic valve replacement at a mean of 8.3 years after prior coronary artery bypass grafting, and 43 (33%) had aortic valve replacement at a mean of 13.0 years after previous procedures other than myocardial revascularization. Hospital records of all patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Early complications included operative mortality in six (6.7%) of the patients with prior coronary grafting and no mortality in the group with other prior operations. Patients having prior coronary grafting had more nonfatal complications than those with other previous procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve replacement in patients following previous cardiac surgery can be accomplished with acceptable mortality and morbidity. Routine replacement of aortic valves that are minimally diseased during coronary artery bypass grafting may not be warranted.     

非原位主动脉瓣置换术治疗主动脉瓣环严重毁损性病变的方法与疗效

目的总结非原位主动脉瓣置换术(AVR)的方法和疗效。方法 2008年3月至2010年12月第二军医大学长海医院收治5例主动脉瓣环严重毁损患者,男4例,女1例;平均年龄46.3(38～53)岁。AVR术后并发严重瓣周漏再次手术4例(白塞氏病2例、大动脉炎2例),严重主动脉瓣感染性心内膜炎1例。术中发现主动脉瓣环严重毁损,无法施行常规AVR,改行非原位AVR,即将人工主动脉瓣环固定的位置提高到毁损的主动脉瓣环以上,固定人工瓣环的缝线从主动脉腔外进针、腔内出针。必要时行冠状动脉旁路移植术(CABG)。结果 5例手术患者均顺利康复出院,无出血再次手术或其它并发症。术后5例患者均获得随访,生存良好,心功能分级(NYHA)Ⅰ～Ⅱ级;分别于术后6个月(4例)、1年(2例)和3年(1例)行主动脉心脏三维CT成像(CTA)检查,均未见有主动脉根部瘤或假性动脉瘤形成,显示左心室流出道延长,左、右冠状动脉形态良好。心脏超声心动图检查均未发现有瓣周漏。结论对主动脉瓣环毁损严重的患者采用非原位AVR,人工瓣膜固定可靠,可以防止术后并发瓣周漏或根部假性动脉瘤。     

Left Ventricular Mass Regression After Implantation of St. Jude Medical Cardiac Valves in Small Aortic Roots

In this study, we analyzed the extent of regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients who received small St. Jude Medical (SJM) aortic valves and compared the results with those of another group receiving larger valves. Eighty-eight patients received either 19 or 21 mm valves (Group 1, 25 patients) or either 23 or 25 mm valves (Group 2, 53 patients). Echocardiographic studies were done before the operation and 5 years postoperatively. At follow-up a significant reduction in the left ventricular mass was found for both patient groups (p < 0.0001). Doppler echocardiography derived pressure gradients for both groups were obtained during the follow-up period. As expected, the patients in Group 1 had higher peak pressure gradients than did those in Group 2. However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups or any significant correlations between peak pressure gradients and body surface area (BSA). Actuarial survival was 84.7% at 15 years for Group 1 and 85.9% at 17 years for Group 2. Actuarial freedom from valve related events was 91.4 % at 15 years for Group 1 and 82.7% at 17 years for Group 2. There was no significant difference in survival or valve related event free curves between the 2 groups. After implantations of SJM valves in small aortic roots, significant left ventricular mass regression was obtained, and the results were comparable to those for valves of other sizes. The long-term performance of aortic valve replacement with small valves was satisfactory as judged by improvement in the functional class of patients and survival statistics, the durability of the prosthesis, and valve related morbidity comparable to that of valves of other sizes.     

Aortic Valve Repair in Pediatric Patients: 30 Years Single Center Experience

BackgroundValve repair is the procedure of choice for congenital aortic valve disease. With increasing experience, the surgical armamentarium broadened from simple commissurotomy to more complex techniques. We report our 30-year experience with pediatric aortic valve repair.MethodsA retrospective chart review of all patients aged less than 18 years who underwent aortic valve repair from May 1985 to April 2020 was conducted. Mortality was cross-checked with the national health insurance database (96% complete mortality follow-up in April 2020). Primary study endpoints were survival and incidence of reoperations.ResultsFrom May 1985 until April 2020, 126 patients underwent aortic valve repair at a median age of 1.8 years (interquartile range, 0.2-10). Early mortality was 5.6% (7 of 126). All early deaths occurred in neonates with critical aortic stenosis undergoing commissurotomy. No early deaths were observed after 2002. Kaplan-Meier estimated survival was 90.8% (95% CI, 84.0-94.8) at 10 years, 86.9% (95% CI, 78.7-92.2) at 20 years, and 83.5% (95% CI, 71.7-90.6) at 30 years. The cumulative incidence of aortic valve replacement was 37% (95% CI, 27.7-46.3) at 10 years, 62.2% (95% CI, 50.1-72.1) at 20 years, and 67.4% (51.2-79.2) at 30 years. Nine patients had undergone re-repair of the aortic valve. The majority of valve replacements were Ross procedures.ConclusionsOur results support a repair-first strategy for patients with congenital heart disease and underline that aortic valve reconstruction can be a successful long-term solution. Longevity did not differ between aortic valve commissurotomy and complex aortic valve reconstruction.     

Aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis in patients with concomitant mitral regurgitation: should the mitral valve be dealt with?

Co-existent mitral regurgitation may adversely influence both morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis. Whilst it is accepted that concomitant mitral intervention is required in severe, symptomatic mitral regurgitation, in cases of mild–moderate non-structural mitral regurgitation, improvement may be seen following aortic valve replacement alone, avoiding the increased risk of double-valve surgery. The exact benefit of such a conservative approach is, however, yet to be adequately quantified. We performed a systematic literature review identifying 17 studies incorporating 3053 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis with co-existing mitral regurgitation. These were meta-analysed using random effects modelling. Heterogeneity and subgroup analysis were assessed. Primary end points were change in mitral regurgitation severity and 30-day, 3-, 5- and 10-year mortality. Secondary end points were end-organ dysfunction (neurovascular, renal and respiratory), and the extent of ventricular remodelling following aortic valve replacement. Our results revealed improvement in the severity of mitral regurgitation following aortic valve replacement in 55.5% of patients, whereas 37.7% remained unchanged, and 6.8% worsened. No significant difference was seen between overall data and either the functional or moderate subgroups. The overall 30-day mortality following aortic valve replacement was 5%. This was significantly higher in moderate–severe mitral regurgitation than nil–mild mitral regurgitation both overall (p = 0.002) and in the functional subgroup (p = 0.004). Improved long-term survival was seen at 3, 5 and 10 years in nil–mild mitral regurgitation when compared with moderate–severe mitral regurgitation in all groups (overall p < 0.0001, p < 0.00001 and p = 0.02, respectively). The relative risk of respiratory, renal and neurovascular complications were 7%, 6% and 4%, respectively. Reverse remodelling was demonstrated by a significant reduction in left-ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left-ventricular mass (p = 0.0007 and 0.01, respectively), without significant heterogeneity. No significant change was seen in left-ventricular end-systolic diameter (p = 0.10), septal thickness (p = 0.17) or left atrial area (p = 0.23). We conclude that despite reverse remodelling, concomitant moderate–severe mitral regurgitation adversely affects both early and late mortality following aortic valve replacement. Concomitant mitral intervention should therefore be considered in the presence of moderate mitral regurgitation, independent of the aetiology.     

Outcomes of Reimplantation of the Aortic Valve in Patients With Aortic Cusp Fenestration

BackgroundAortic cusp fenestrations are common in patients with aortic root aneurysm, and their management during aortic valve repair remains controversial. We believe that fenestrations in the area of the commissures may rupture after reimplantation of the aortic valve because this operation increases the mechanical stress on the cusps. For this reason we have reinforced the free margin of the aortic cusp with fenestration with fine Gore-Tex sutures (WL Gore). This study examines the outcomes of reimplantation of the aortic valve in patients who had cusp fenestration reinforced with Gore-Tex sutures.MethodsA review of all patients who had reimplantation of the aortic valve for aortic root aneurysm disclosed 111 patients who had at least 1 cusp fenestration reinforced with a double layer of a fine Gore-Tex suture. The outcomes of these patients were examined and compared with a group of patients without fenestration using propensity score analysis. All patients were followed prospectively with images of the heart.ResultsThe median follow-up was 8.3 years. Overall the cumulative incidence of aortic valve reintervention at 15 years was 4.8% and the cumulative incidence of aortic insufficiency of moderate or severe degree was 9.2%. Comparison of outcomes of patients with and without fenestrations showed similar results up to 15 years of follow-up.ConclusionsReinforcement of the free margins of cusps with fenestrations using Gore-Tex sutures is safe and does not seem to adversely affect the durability of reimplantation of the aortic valve.     

Short-term result of aortic valve replacement with cryopreserved homograft valve in the University of Tokyo Tissue Bank

The short-term results after aortic root replacement with 11 cryopreserved aortic homografts was examined. Since 1998, the University of Tokyo Tissue Bank has supplied 11 aortic homograft valves. Nine of the recipients were male, and the average age was 51.2 years. Nine out of 11 patients had suffered from a serious condition of native or prosthetic valve infectious endocarditis. All of the patients underwent aortic root replacement, and the blood type between the patient and the homograft was matched in 8 of the patients. Only 1 patient died (9.1%) in the short-term due to sepsis. The preoperative degree of aortic valve regurgitation in all of the cases was third or fourth while the regurgitation disappeared after the operation in all of them. Thinking of the serious condition of our cases preoperatively, the 9.1% operative mortality was quite acceptable. Long-term follow-up is necessary to estimate the quality of the homografts.     

Aortic valve reconstruction using self-developed aortic valve plasty system in aortic valve disease

Aortic valve disease is usually treated by prosthetic valve replacement. We have performed aortic valve plasty (AVP) using glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium. AVP was performed for 88 patients from April 2007 through August 2009. Sixty-five patients had aortic stenosis, and 23 patients had aortic regurgitation (AR). Twenty-one patients showed bicuspid aortic valves, and one patient showed quadricuspid valve. There were 43 males and 45 females. Their mean age was 70.6±10.5 years old. First, diseased leaflets excised. Then, the distance between each commissure was measured. The new leaflet were trimmed with an original template from a glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium sample. Finally, the annular margin of the pericardial leaflet was running sutured to each annulus. There was no operative mortality or embolic event. Postoperative echocardiography revealed a mean peak pressure gradient (PG) of 19.0±9.1 mmHg one week after surgery. Thirty-two patients had echocardiography one year after surgery. The peak PG became 12.9±5.8 mmHg. Ten patients showed no AR, 20 patients showed trivial AR, and two patients showed mild AR. Freedom from reoperation is 100% at three years follow-up.     

应用自体心包瓣置换术治疗主动脉瓣病变

目的　报告无支架自体心包瓣置换主动脉瓣手术的临床应用效果。　方法　11例单纯主动脉瓣病变患者行自体心包瓣置换主动脉瓣手术,术后定期随访。　结果　11例均存活,顺利出院,随访时间5～30个月,平均随访时间24.2±5.6个月。1例因中等量反流而行二次手术,其余10例心包瓣膜功能良好。　结论　该手术是一种治疗单纯主动脉瓣病变较为理想的方法,术后患者无需长期抗凝,手术近期效果满意,远期效果有待进一步随访。     

Carpentier-Edwards pericardial aortic valve in middle-aged patients comparison with the St. Jude medical valve

Objective The objective of the present study was to compare long-term results of single aortic valve replacement (AVR) with mechanical (St. Jude Medical valves: standard) and biologic (the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial) prostheses. Method: Between 1995 and 2002, 95 patients who underwent single AVR with mechanical (n=46) or biologic (n=49) prostheses were enrolled in this study. The mean age at the operation was 54.0±9.6 years (range: 20 to 69 years) with the mechanical and 68.8±7.1 years (range: 44 to 85 years) with the biologic prosthesis. Results: The 9-year actuarial survival rate, which was calculated by taking perioperative mortality into account, was 90.3±4.6% for patients with mechanical valves and 87.6 ±4.8% for patients with bioprostheses, with no difference between the two groups (p=0.342). The 9-year freedom rate from thromboembolism, reoperation, endocarditis was 94.8+3.6%, 100% and 97.8 ±2.2% for patients with mechanical valves and 98.0 ±2.0%, 97.5 ±3.4% and 95.0 ±3.4% for those with bioprostheses, respectively. After 9 years, freedom from cardiac death averaged 97.8% in the group with mechanical valves compared with 95.3% in those with bioprostheses (p=0.541). Conclusion: We conclude that the mid-term durability of the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial valve in the aortic position for the elderly is excellent. Nevertheless, the risk of tissue valve reoperation progressively increases with time, and a longer follow-up may be necessary to provide its value compared with the mechanical valves in a country like Japan with a high life expectancy. (Jpn J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2005; 53:465-469)     

Selective Sinus Replacement for Aortic Root Aneurysm: Durable Approach in Selected Patients

BackgroundSelective sinus replacement (SSR) allows a tailored repair approach in patients with sinus of Valsalva or asymmetric aortic root aneurysm. SSR avoids the need for coronary reimplantation for nondiseased sinuses and shortens operative time, although potential for late growth of retained sinuses exists. This study describes selection of patients and assesses operative outcomes and late root dimensions after SSR.MethodsFrom 2006 to 2020, 60 patients underwent SSR at a single referral institution. Mixed effect models were used to assess trajectory of postoperative growth of remaining sinuses, adjusting for age of the patient, valve morphology, and baseline root diameter.ResultsMedian age of the patients was 57 (interquartile range [IQR], 48-65) years. Twenty-four (40%) had a bicuspid aortic valve. Most patients (n = 55 [92%]) underwent single sinus replacement (n = 46 noncoronary, n = 9 right), whereas 5 (8%) underwent repair of both the right and noncoronary sinuses. Concomitant aortic valve replacement was performed in 15 patients (25%); aortic valve repair with internal ring annuloplasty or cusp plication was performed in 37 (62%). There was no operative death, stroke, renal failure, or respiratory failure. Median preoperative root diameter was 53 mm (IQR, 51-56 mm) vs 42 mm (IQR, 39-45 mm) at median imaging follow-up of 34 (IQR, 13-49) months. Rate of midterm root growth was 0.2 mm/y, and there were no late root reinterventions.ConclusionsFor patients with sinus of Valsalva or asymmetric root aneurysm, SSR is associated with excellent operative outcomes, and midterm follow-up suggests that the technique is durable. Longer term follow-up is needed to confirm continued stability of the aortic root.     

Comparison of aortic root replacement in patients with Marfan syndrome

Objectives: Although the aortic-valve-sparing (AVS) reimplantation technique according to David has shown favorable durability results in mid-term and long-term studies, composite valve grafting (CVG) according to Bentall is still considered the standard procedure. Methods: Retrospectively, we evaluated the results of aortic root replacement of patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) who underwent surgery between January 1995 and January 2010. MFS was diagnosed using the Ghent criteria. AVS was used in 58 patients and CVG in 30 patients with MFS. AVS was done for aortic-root aneurysm (n = 48) or aortic dissection type A (n = 10). CVG was used for aortic-root aneurysm in 14 patients or aortic dissection type A in 16 patients. The mean follow-up was 3.2 (95% CI: 2.4–4.2) years. Results: In both groups, 30-day mortality was 0%. Three patients (10.0%) in the CVG group required resternotomy for postoperative bleeding versus two patients (3.4%) in the AVS group (p = 0.3). At follow-up, mortality was 10% in the CVG group versus 3.4% in the AVS group (p = 0.3). Re-operation was required in two patients (3.4%) after AVS and in three patients after CVG (10%) (p = 0.3). Three patients (10.0%) who underwent CVG had endocarditis and two patients (6.7%) had a stroke during follow-up, whereas no endocarditis and stroke occurred after AVS. After 14 years, stratified event-free survival was better in the AVS group (event-free survival was 82.3% vs 58.6%, log-rank test p = 0.086), especially after aneurysm (p = 0.057). After 10 years, freedom from aortic regurgitation ≥II° in the AVS group was 80% for aneurysm and 50% after dissection (p = 0.524). Conclusion: The reimplantation technique according to David was associated with excellent survival, good valve function and a low rate of re-operation, endocarditis, and stroke. There was a trend to better event-free survival for AVS patients making it the procedure of choice in MFS patients.