Clinical effectiveness of valve-sparing aortic root replacement in the treatment of patients with dilated aortic root after operation for tetralogy of Fallot / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) in the treatment of patients with dilated aortic root after operation for tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Methods     A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of TOF patients with aortic root dilation who underwent VSARR in our hospital from 2016 to 2022. Results     Finally 14 patients were collected, including 8 males and 6 females, with a median age of 22 years ranging from 12-48 years. Among them, 5 patients had severe aortic valve regurgitation, 4 moderate regurgitation, and 5 mild or no regurgitation. Six patients had sinus of valsalva dilation, and 8 significant dilation of the ascending aorta. One patient had residual shunt due to ventricular septal defect, and 9 severe pulmonary valve regurgitation. The David procedure was performed in 10 patients, Yacoub procedure in 2 patients, and Florida sleeve in 2 patients. There was no perioperative mortality in the group. The median follow-up time was 2.9 years (ranging from 0.4 to 6.0 years). One patient had mild aortic valve regurgitation, and the rest had minimal or no regurgitation. One patient had mild stenosis of the left ventricular outflow tract, and the rest patients had no obvious stenosis. Conclusion     VSARR is a satisfactory treatment for aortic root dilation in patients with TOF, with no significant increase in the incidence of left ventricular outflow tract stenosis or aortic regurgitation during mid-term follow-up.

Research Progress in Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

With continuous improvements in surgical techniques， medical engineering and material science， root replacement with composite valve graft （CVG） or Bentall procedure has become the standard procedure for aortic root lesions. As an alternative to the Bentall procedure， valve-sparing aortic root replacement （VSRR） avoids the complications associated with lifelong anticoagulation and mechanical valves； reduces the incidence of thromboembolic and bleeding events； and its favorable haemodynamics and potentially lower risk of endocarditis ensure durable postoperative aortic valve function and a much better quality of patient survival. This article reviews the indications for root replacement with preservation of the aortic valve， the key points of the standardized technique and its long-term results in different patients.

Valve-Sparing Excision of Multiple Papillary Fibroelastomas in the Aortic Valve and Left Ventricular Outflow Tract / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Primary cardiac fibroelastoma is a relatively rare tumor and is often detected incidentally by echocardiography. We report a case of multiple fibroelastomas that were found incidentally by follow-up echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and were treated with valve-sparing excision. The patient was a 71-year-old man, in whom a 10-mm tumor on the ventricular septum below the right coronary cusp and 3-mm tumors on the left ventricular side of the left and right coronary cusps were detected. Although he had no symptoms, because the tumors were mobile, surgery was performed for preventing embolization and making a definitive diagnosis. The tumor on the ventricular septum was excised together with the surrounding endocardium and part of the myocardium. The tumors on the valve leaflets were excised with the aortic valve cusps spared. Histopathologically, all the tumors were fibroelastomas. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Comparative study on the growth of pulmonary artery and left ventricle between two kinds of surgical repair for tetralogy of Fallot / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To compare the growth speed of pulmonary artery and left ventricle after the repair of tetralogy of Fallot(TOF) with valve-sparing and transannular patch.Methods:The clinical data of children with tetralogy of Fallot admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to October 2020 were reviewed. According to the way of relieving right ventricular outflow tract stenosis, they were divided into two groups: valve-sparing and transannular patch. Independent sample t test or non- parametric test was used to compare the pulmonary artery and left ventricular growth indexes before operation and at the last follow-up between the two groups. The paired t test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative indexes. Results:A total of 104 children with tetralogy of Fallot, including 58 males and 46 females, had surgery at a median age and weight of 6.7(4.1, 10.3) months and 7.0(5.8, 8.4) kg, respectively. The preoperative Nakata index, McGoon ratio, pulmonary artery Z-score, left ventricular end diastolic volume(LVEDV) index and Z-score in valve-sparing were higher than those in transannular patch( P=0.001, 0.000, 0.003, 0.000, 0.000). At the last follow-up, the Z-scores of pulmonary arteries in both groups were greater than those before operation( P=0.016, 0.000), the LVEDV Z-score in transannular patch was greater than that before surgery( P=0.000), while the LVEDV Z-score of valve-sparing was not significantly different from that before operation( P=0.581), there was no significant difference in pulmonary artery Z-score and LVEDV Z-score between two groups( P=0.468, 0.884). The difference between the last follow-up and preoperative of pulmonary artery Z-score and LVEDV Z-score in valve-sparing was smaller than that in transannular patch( P=0.000, 0.000). Conclusion:Compared with valve-sparing, the pulmonary artery and left ventricle grow faster in transannular patch during the early stage after TOF repair.

Cirugía de preservación valvular como alternativa en enfermedad de la raíz aórtica / Aortic Valve Sparing Surgery as Alternative in Aortic Root Disease

RESUMEN Introducción: Desde 1968, la enfermedad aneurismática de la raíz aórtica ha sido tratada mediante el remplazo con tubo valvulado. En las últimas décadas la cirugía de preservación valvular surgió y evolucionó como una opción al remplazo protésico. Objetivo: Reportar la experiencia institucional en la técnica de preservación valvular y sus resultados a largo plazo. Material y métodos: Revisión de 116 casos consecutivos con criterios de reparabilidad, intervenidos entre 2005 y 2019. Previo ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE) y angiotomografía (AngioTC), se procedió quirúrgicamente acorde a la clasificación anatomofuncional, con la combinación de técnicas. Se realizó control intraoperatorio y conversión a remplazo según el criterio del cirujano interviniente. Se reportan las variables intraoperatorias, la morbimortalidad intrahospitalaria y la mortalidad, la libertad de insuficiencia valvular significativa y la reoperación en el seguimiento clínico y ecocardiográfico. Resultados: La edad media era 56 ± 15,6 años, varones 73%, 59% asintomáticos, intervenidos por diámetro aórtico (52 ± 11,7 mm) o progresión de valvulopatía. En el posprocedimiento, 4% de los casos resultó con insuficiencia leve o nula y 2 conversiones (1,7%); mortalidad hospitalaria 0,9%. A 10 años de seguimiento, sobrevida actuarial del 88% y libertad de insuficiencia significativa (moderada/grave) 79%. Se reintervinieron 5 casos, a un intervalo promedio de 9,1 años, libertad de reoperación de 90% a 10 años. No se registraron eventos tromboembólicos ni hemorrágicos mayores. Conclusión: las técnicas de preservación valvular aórtica, en contexto de enfermedad de la raíz, resultan una opción factible, segura y estable en el tiempo.

ABSTRACT Background: Since 1968, ascending aorta replacement with a valved conduit has been the standard practice for aortic root aneurysm. By the end of the 20th century, aortic valve sparing operation emerged and evolved as an alternative to aortic valve replacement. Objective: The aim of this study was to report our experience with aortic valve sparing technique and its long -term outcomes. Methods: A total of 116 consecutive cases with criteria of repairability operated on between 2005 and 2019 were analyzed. Preopera- tive transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) were used in combination to determine the aortic phenotype based on a previous anatomical and functional classification. Perioperative control was performed and conver- sion to aortic valve replacement was left to the discretion of the attending surgeon. Intraoperative variables, in-hospital morbidity and mortality, freedom from significant aortic regurgitation (AR) and reoperation in the clinical and echocardiographic follow-up were reported. Results: Mean age was 56±15.6 years and 73% were men; 59% were asymptomatic, and the reason for the intervention was the aortic diameter (52±11.7 mm) or progression of AR. After the procedure, 4% of the cases presented mild or trivial AR and 2 patients required conversion to aortic valve replacement (1.7%). In hospital mortality was 0.9%. Actuarial survival was 88% at 10 years, and 79% were free from significant (moderate/severe) AR. Five cases underwent reoperation after a mean interval of 9.1 years and free- dom from reoperation at 10 years was 90%. There were no major thromboembolic or bleeding events. Conclusion: Aortic valve sparing technique in the setting of aortic root disease is a feasible and safe option, and stable over time.

Mid-term result of valve-sparing root replacement in acute type A aortic dissection: comparison of reimplantation versus remodeling / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To compare the mid-term result of two different valve-sparing root replacement techniques in acute type A aortic dissection: including reimplantation and remodeling.Methods:From March 2009 to December 2019, 41 patients with acute type A dissection and root involvement, who underwent a valve-sparing root replacement using reimplantation(36 cases) or remodeling(5 cases) were retrospectively analyzed in current study. The average age was(44.63±11.34) years old, 36 males. The differences of perioperative variables, postoperative aortic insufficiency and postoperative survival were compared between the two groups.Results:Thirty-day mortality for two groups was 2.8% and 20%( P=0.23). Remodeling group was significantly inferior to reimplantation group in terms of blood consumption(red blood cells, plasma and platelets), postoperative mechanical ventilation time, reoperation for bleeding and hemofiltration for acute renal failure. The median follow-up time of 39 discharged survivors was 34.56(3-121) months, and the follow-up rate was 100%. There was no follow-up death, no bleeding or embolism events, and no cardiovascular reoperation. Grade 2 or sever aortic regurgitation in remodeling group was significantly higher than that in reimplantation group( P=0.02). A Cox regression analysis identified that the remodeling technique was the independent risk factors of postoperative aortic regurgitation. Conclusion:Compared with remodeling technique, reimplantation technique has better perioperative and mid-term results in patients with acute type A aortic dissection. The rate of reoperation for bleeding, the blood consumption and the postoperative aortic regurgitation are significantly reduced. The long-term results need further follow-up.

Modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty in patients with aortic root aneurysm / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To evaluate the feasibility and safety of modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty in the patients with aortic root aneurysm and dilatation of aortic annular base. Methods    We performed a retrospective review of 6 patients with aortic root aneurysm undergoing modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty from November 2017 to January 2019. There were 5 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 54.1±12.3 years. The preoperative cardiac function of 3 patients was in New York Heart Association (NYHA) classⅡand the other 3 patients were in class Ⅲ. There were two patients with bicuspid aortic valve, and no Marfan syndrome. There was aortic regurgitation in the patients measured by the echocardiogram, 1 in mild aortic regurgitation, 1 in moderate aortic regurgitation, and 4 in severe aortic regurgitation. The diameter of aortic annular base was 27.8±1.9 mm, and the largest diameter of aortic root was 49.8±3.7 mm. Six patients underwent modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty, including 5 patients who underwent aortic cusp repair at the same time. Results    All 6 identified patients survived. There was no severe complication (bleeding, stroke, or acute renal failure). The cardiopulmonary bypass time was 204.6±13.5 min, aortic cross-clamping time 168.0±17.1 min, mechanical ventilation time 21.3±19.5 h, ICU stay time 67.8±62.2 h. The follow-up time ranged from 4 to 18 months with an average time of 12.8±4.7 months. Patients' cardiac function improved postoperatively with four patients in NYHA classⅠand two patients with classⅡ. Two patients had no aortic valve regurgitation, four patients had mild regurgitation. Left ventricular end diastolic volume decreased significantly (118.6±20.4 mL vs. 169.1±58.4 mL, P<0.05). Conclusion    The modified Yacoub technique with aortic annuloplasty is effective and safe for the patients with aortic root aneurysm and dilatation of aortic annular base, and the early- and mid-term outcomes are satisfactory.

A Case of Partial Remodeling for Type A Aortic Dissection Requiring Aortic Root Reconstruction / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 48-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with exertional dyspnea and lower leg edema since 2 months previously. Echocardiogram presented dilation of Valsalva sinus, severe AR (aortic regurgitation) and a supra-annular flap. Enhanced cardiac cycle-gated computed tomography revealed Stanford type A aortic dissection. Primary entry was found just above the aortic valve, the right coronary artery branched from the false lumen, and the commissure between the right and non-coronary cusps was detached. The left coronary artery branched from the true lumen. The false lumen was all patent to the bilateral bifurcations of the common iliac artery. We performed valve sparing partial root remodeling, right coronary artery bypass and total arch replacement after the heart failure management. The operation, cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross clamp and selective cerebral perfusion times were 402, 234, 167 and 109 min, respectively. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 12 days after the operation without any complication. Postoperative CT revealed a well-shaped Valsalva and complete thrombosis of the false lumen on the thoracic aorta. Aortic regurgitation completely disappeared according to a postoperative echocardiogram.

Application of valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation for aortic root disorders in patients with Marfan syndrome / 第二军医大学学报

ObjectiveTo evaluate the appropriate indications, key points of surgical techniques, and early to midterm outcomes of valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation in patients with Marfan syndrome. MethodsThe clinical data of 52 patients with Marfan syndrome who underwent valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation in our department from June 2006 to July 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative patient characteristics, surgical techniques, and follow-up outcomes were summarized. ResultsThe patients had a mean age of (36.6±14.5) years, with 35 males and 17 females. Severe aortic valve insufficiency (AI) was found in 37 cases (71.2%) preoperatively. Echocardiography indicated that the average diameter of aortic annulus, aortic sinus, and sinotubular junction of this cohort were 22-30 mm, 40-56 mm, and 34-51 mm, respectively. Pure valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation was performed in 40 patients presenting aortic root aneurysm, with a cross-clamp time of 61-108 min and a mean of (81.3±11.6) min, and with a cardiopulmonary bypass time of 88-129 min and a mean of (97.3±10.8) min. The other 12 patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection underwent concomitant total arch replacement and elephant trunk implantation in the descending aorta, with a cross-clamp time of 93- 126 min and a mean of (107.4±11.2) min, and with a cardiopulmonary bypass time of 127-180 min and a mean of (143.5±17.1) min. Vascular prostheses with a diameter of ≤30 mm were adopted in all patients. Aortic root bleeding was drained to the right atriums in 9 patients. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 42 cases before extracorporeal circulation removal, with 16 cases presenting no AI, 18 presenting trace AI, and 8 presenting mild AI. There was one in-hospital death (1.9%) and no secondary thoracotomy for bleeding or other major complications. The mean follow-up was (3.2±2.1) years, with 43 cases completed the follow-up and no death during follow-up. Echocardiography in the latest follow-up indicated that 6 cases presented no AI, 24 presented trace AI, 12 presented mild AI, and only one case presented moderate AI, with 97.7% (42/43) patients free from moderate AI. No case underwent aortic valve replacement for severe AI. There were 39 (90.7%) patients in New York Heart Association classIand 4 (9.3%) patients in classII . ConclusionApplication of valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation using vascular prostheses with appropriate diameter is safe and effective for suitable patients with Marfan syndrome, and can obtain satisfactory outcomes.

DavidⅠ versus Bentall in aortic root disease / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficiency in aortic root disease .Methods From April 2017 to April 2018,46 cases of aortic root disease accepted DavidⅠ[20 cases, 15 males and 5 females, aged(39.6 ±15.8)years, aortic root diameter was(58.3 ±4.4)mm] or Bentall[26 cases, 22 males and 4 females, aged(50.8 ±12.6)years,aortic root diam-eter was(59.5 ±5.0)mm], the data in the peri-operation and heart function in recent period after operation.Results No mortality was observed in the study.Morbidity occurred in both group was comparable.Mean cross-clamp time(129.5 ±28.6) min vs.(94.3 ±35.3)min(P<0.05).Blood transfusion(342.0 ±476.4)ml vs.(330.8 ±651.3)ml(P>0.05).ICU sta-ying time(1.0 ±0.2)day vs.(1.1 ±0.3)day(P>0.05).At the latest visit(10.5 ±6.8)months in David Ⅰ, no obviously regurgitation of aortic valve were observed 0.75 ±0.44 vs 1.0 ±1.3(P>0.05).Conclusion Except for the prolonged cross-clamp time, David Ⅰ is safely and effective in aortic root disease compared with Bentall in peri-operative period .The long term results need further follow-up.

Progress in surgical selection of aortic root diseases / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Total root replacement (TRR) with a valved conduit has long been the treatment standard for most aortic root diseases. However, with advances in technology and a deeper understanding of aortic root anatomy and hemodynamics, valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) and personalised external aortic root support (PEARS) have emerged. It is especially important to choose the appropriate procedure for different aortic root diseases. When evaluating these three surgical procedures, it is necessary to focus on the treatment and prevention of the dissection and balance the short-term and long-term risks of the patients. This article outlines aortic-related diseases and the selection of surgery.

Aortic Root Reimplantation in a Patient Who Underwent an Arterial Switch Operation

Neo-aortic insufficiency associated with root enlargement following an arterial switch operation is a serious late complication. To achieve successful surgical correction of this condition, multiple factors should be considered, including the individual patient's anatomy, the challenging nature of the redo procedure, and the patient's young age. However, limited publications have described the use of valve-sparing techniques for the treatment of neo-aortic insufficiency associated with root enlargement following an arterial switch operation. Herein, we report our recent experience of a valve-sparing aortic root procedure with ascending aorta and hemiarch replacement despite the presence of a discrepancy in leaflet size and nearby severe adhesions.

Surgical Treatment for the Annulo-Aortic Ectasia Concomitant with Membranous Ventricular Septal Aneurysm / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 60-year-old man complained of palpitation due to transitory atrial fibrillation. The annulo-aortic ectasia was recognized, and was getting enlarged to 52 mm. After an additional examination, membranous ventricular septal aneurysm was revealed. There was no evidence of thrombus, shunt, or infection in the membranous ventricular septal aneurysm. The valve-sparing aortic root replacement (reimplantation) and the patch-closure of the membranous ventricular septal aneurysm were performed. Stabilizing the subannular tissue by a Dacron patch made the reimplantation technique feasible. To secure a subannular suture line, 3 mattress stitches were passed inside-out through the Dacron patch, the fibrous rim of the membranous septum and the prosthetic graft again. He was discharged without any complication 12 days after the operation.

The study of surgical treatment of the bicuspid aortic valve with aortic root aneurysm / 医学研究生学报

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is one of the most common congenital valvular diseases, which is often associated with aortic stenosis or insufficiency.Aortic disease is an important component of BAV, aortic root aneurysm is the most finding when it comes to the dilatation of any or all segments of the proximal aorta from the aortic root to the aortic arch.The choice of operation has a great influence on the prognosis of patients.This article discusses the anatomic basis, pathophysiology, surgical treatment and treatment effects of the bicuspid aortic valve with aortic root aneurysm.

Surgical treatment of ascending aortic aneurysm caused by Marfan Syndrome:a report of 16 cases / 临床外科杂志

Objective To summarize the experience of surgical treatment and to explore the oper-ation method choice of ascending aortic aneurysm caused by Marfan Syndrome. Methods The clinical da-ta of 16 patients from 2005 January to 2011 November were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among all, there was no operative mortality,but 6 cases of early postoperative complications(37. 5%),including 2 ca-ses of arrhythmia,2 cases of pulmonary infection,1 case of renal insufficiency and 1 case of pneumothorax. The follow-up time was 12~63(25 ± 9)months. During follow-up,2 patients died(12. 5%),1 due to rup-tured abdominal aortic aneurysms and 1 due to renal failure. Besides there were 2 cases of anticoagulation complications and 1 case of coronary heart disease. Conclusion Although sparing aortic root replacement of aortic valve has similar curative effect as Bentall operation and avoids the mechanical valve-related com-plications,the indications are relatively strict. Bentall operation is still the first choice for severe patients.

Valve-Sparing Root Replacement for Syphilitic Aortic Arch Aneurysm with Aortic Regurgitation / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

Syphilitic aortic aneurysm became rare after the discovery of penicillin. Syphilitic aortitis involves the ascending aorta and dilates the aortic annulus, causing aortic valve regurgitation. We report a case of syphilitic aortic aneurysm with severe aortic valve regurgitation, which was successfully treated with the replacement of the valve-sparing root and the total arch. A 55-year-old man, admitted earlier to another hospital for colon diverticulum, was found to have an aortic arch aneurysm. Enhanced computed tomography revealed the aneurysm of the ascending aorta to the transverse arch aorta with the maximum short diameter of the aneurysm at 68 mm. He also had a saccular aneurysm in the ascending aorta. Although he had never had a history of syphilis, a routine laboratory test for syphilis was positive. That said, we looked upon this case as a syphilitic aortic aneurysm. In preoperative cardiac echography, the aortic regurgitation was severe with mild valve stenosis and mainly due to dilation of the aortic root. We thought the native valve could be spared and replaced both the valve-sparing root and the total arch. He was discharged on the 11th postoperative day without any complications.

Aortic root reconstruction in acute type A aortic dissection: comparison of valve-sparing aortic root reimplantation versus composite replacement / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the valve sparing aortic reimplantation in selected patients with acute type A aortic dissection(AAAD).Methods From October 2012 to March 2014, 65 AAAD patients with entry tear located in the sinus of Valsalva and/or genetic: syndrome underwent emergent operation.Of them, 34 patients had valve sparing aortic reimplantation(David Ⅰ group) , and 31 patients underwent aortic composite replacement(Bentall group).Results No operative mortality was observed in this study.In-hospital mortality(8.8％ vs.9.7％ , P ＞ 0.05) and morbidity (25.4％ vs.27.9％, P ＞0.05) were comparable between two groups.All the patients underwent arch replacement and stented elephant trunk implantation concomitantly.Mean cross-clamp time [(149 ± 23) min v s.(124 ± 21) min, P ＜ 0.05] was longer for David Ⅰ group, while mean cardiopulmonary bypass time[(186 ± 77) min vs.(193 ± 89) min, P ＞0.05] and mean operation time [(341 ± 137) min vs.(378 ± 174) min, P ＞ 0.05] had no significant difference between two groups.The blood transfusion was significantly reduced in David Ⅰ group than that in Bentall group[(1 180 ±490) ml vs.(1 790 ±560) ml, P ＜0.05].The mean follow-up was(17.6 ± 5.4) months(range, 8-26 months).In David Ⅰ group, one patient with genetic syndrome died of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm 18 months postoperatively.Two late deaths occurred in Bentall group due to intracranial hemorrhage after 9 months and ruptured infective pseudoaneurysm after 13 months respectively.In David Ⅰ group, average grade of aortic regurgitation 6 months postoperatively was 0.6 ± 0.4.At the latest visit, no pseudoaneurysm on anastomosis was observed.Besides two patients from Bentall group were in NYHA class Ⅱ , all the other patients presented in NYHA class Ⅰ.Conclusion David Ⅰ aortic root reimplantation can be performed safely and obtain excellent short-term results in selected patients with AAAD.Long-term results need continuing follow-up.

Aortic Root Replacement with a Valve Sparing Technique for Quadricuspid Aortic Valve / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 67-year-old man with ascending aortic aneurysm was referred to our hospital. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation with annuloaortic ectasia and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a quadricuspid aortic valve. This patient underwent aortic root replacement with a valve sparing technique. Under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with retrograde cerebral perfusion, replacement of the ascending aorta was successfully performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. This patient is doing well 6 months after surgery without recurrence of aortic regurgitation.

Aortic Valve-Sparing Operation in a 8 Years Old Boy with Loeys-Dietz Syndrome with Annuloaortic Ectasia / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

An 8 year-old boy had a cardiac murmur pointed out on day three after birth and was given a diagnosis of ventricular septal defect (VSD). He underwent VSD patch closure at two months after birth. He was also found the having Loeys-Dietz syndrome on the basis of mutation of <i>TGFBR2 </i>and physical examination at the age of 2 years. He had been followed up at pediatrics clinic of our hospital since then, and was hospitalized for a 46.5-mm extension of valsalva sinus diameter and moderate aortic insufficiency. The aortic valve was three-cusped and had no abnormality. We performed valve-sparing aortic root replacement. He was discharged on day 18 after the operation without any problems in the postoperative course. Use of an artificial heart valve for the surgery of the aortic root lesion in childhood will probably cause reoperation in the future and difficulty in Warfarin anticoagulation control. A careful decision is needed in the choice of an operation method. Valve-sparing aortic root replacement is a useful operation for patients without aortic valve abnormality.

Aortic Valve Sparing Operations: A Review

Aortic valve sparing operations were developed to preserve the native aortic valve during surgery for aortic root aneurysm as well as surgery for ascending aortic aneurysms with associated aortic insufficiency. There are basically two types of aortic valve sparing oprations: remodeling of the aortic root and reimplantation of the aortic valve. These operations have been performed for over two decades and the clinical outcomes have been excellent in experienced hands. Although remodeling of the aortic root is physiologically superior to reimplantation of the aortic valve, long-term follow-up suggests that the latter is associated with lower risk of developing aortic insufficiency. Failure of remodeling of the aortic root is often due to dilatation of the aortic annulus. Thus, this type of aortic valve sparing should be reserved for older patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and normal aortic annulus whereas reimplantation of the aortic valve is more appropriate for young patients with inherited disorders that cause aortic root aneurysms. This article summarizes the published experience with these two operations. They are no longer experimental procedures and should be part of the surgical armamentarium to treat patients with aortic root aneurysm and ascending aortic aneurysms with associated aortic insufficiency.