Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Reoperations on the ascending aorta and aortic root: pitfalls and results in 134 patients
M A Schepens1, K M Dossche, W J Morshuis
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands. marc.schepens@worldonline.nl
Background:
This analysis was performed to evaluate the results of reoperations on the ascending aorta and aortic root.
Methods:
All reoperations (n = 134) on the aortic root and ascending aorta performed between February 1981 and April 1998 were retrospectively analyzed. Indications for reintervention were a true or false aneurysm (35%), acute dissection (3.0%), aortic valve stenosis and/or insufficiency (23.1%), prosthetic valve endocarditis (32.8%), and combinations (4.5%). The principal reoperations performed were aortic root replacement (composite graft, freestyle, aortic allograft, or pulmonary autograft) in 116 patients, ascending aortic replacement in 10 patients, and closure of a false aneurysm in 5 patients. Results were analyzed using univariate statistical methods.
Results:
Hospital mortality was 6.6% (8 patients). Univariate predictors of hospital death were preoperative functional class III or IV (p = 0.02), an interval of less than 6 months between the primary and actual operation (p = 0.02), preoperative creatinine level of more than 200 micromol/L (p = 0.001), acute aortic dissection (p = 0.001), intraoperative technical problems (p = 0.001), and postoperative dialysis (p = 0.001). Freedom from repetitive reoperation was 99% at 1 year and 98% at 5 and 10 years.
Conclusions:
Reoperations on the aortic root and ascending aorta can be performed with an early mortality which is very acceptable.
Related Concept Videos
The Aorta
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
The Arch of Aorta
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Thoracic Aorta
Abdominal Aorta
The celiac trunk, a singular artery, divides into the left gastric artery, which...
Primary and Secondary Growth in Roots and Shoots
Root Mean Square
For example, consider the velocity of gas molecules in a container. The gas molecules are moving in different directions, which might impart positive and negative...

