Sutureless aortic valve implantation: first experience in Asia

ABSTRACT

Age-related degenerative calcification is currently the most common cause of aortic stenosis (AS) in adults and the most frequent reason for aortic valve replacement in patients with AS. With the increased life expectancy, a large proportion of elderly patients with AS is undergoing cardiac surgery, although many are not offered conventional aortic valve replacement due to the risks involved. However, sutureless aortic valve replacement provides an alternative for this group of elderly patients. This case series reports the first experience in Asia of sutureless aortic valve implantation in seven patients at our institution.