Left ventricular apex to descending aorta valved conduit: description of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic findings in four cases.

Patients with critical aortic stenosis and a "porcelain" aorta are at an increased risk for complications with aortic cross-clamping during valve replacement. To our knowledge, this is the first report of both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic findings of the left ventricle to the descending aorta (LVDA) valved conduit. We present results of four patients in whom this procedure was performed for critical aortic stenosis, who also had a porcelain aorta. "Normal" echo and Doppler findings, along with those of development of a regurgitant valve within the conduit, are presented.