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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
Published on: May 21, 2017
Minimally-invasive aortic root replacement
J G Byrne1, D H Adams, G S Couper
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA. JGBYRNE@BICS.BWH.HARVARD.EDU
Purpose:
We retrospectively analyzed our early results with minimally invasive aortic root replacement.
Methods:
Between August 1996 and April 1999, our center performed 137 aortic root replacements. Thirty-seven (27%) were accomplished through a 5 to 8 cm minimally invasive upper hemi-sternotomy incision. All minimally invasive operations were elective. The mean age for this cohort was 46 +/- 12 yrs. Thirty one (84%) of the patients were male and 3 (8%) were reoperations. The average preoperative NYHA classification was 2.4 +/- 0.6 and ejection fraction (EF) was 58% +/- 12%. Valve pathology was congenitally bicuspid in 19 (51%), endocarditis (SBE ) in 5 (14%), calcific degeneration in 4 (11%), annuloaortic ectasia in 3 (8%), rheumatic in 2 (5%) and other etiologies in 4 (11%). Nine patients (24%) had associated ascending aortic or arch aneurysms.
Results:
The surgical techniques performed through mini-hemisternotomy consisted of 1) full root replacement in 31 (84%), 2) subcoronary replacement in 4 (11%), and 3) hemiroot in 2 (5%). Valve implants consisted of a homograft in 30 (81%), "Freestyle" bioprosthesis in 4 (11%) and a St Jude valved conduit in 3 (8%). Mean cardiopulmonary bypass duration was 193 +/- 47 min. and aortic cross-clamp duration was 157 +/- 40 min. Myocardial protection included systemic hypothermia in all (24 +/- 4 degrees C), antegrade cardioplegia (CP) in 35 (95%) with supplemental retrograde CP in 23 (62%). Three patients (8%) experienced postoperative low cardiac output syndrome (LCO). There was one operative death (3%). There was one (3%) reoperation for bleeding and 13 patients (35%) required blood transfusions. New onset atrial fibrillation occurred in 7 patients (19%) and there were 3 (8%) minor complications. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was 6.7 +/- 4.3 days and LOS was less than 7 days in 29 patients (78%).
Conclusions:
Minimally invasive aortic root replacement is feasible for a broad range of aortic valve pathology, can incorporate full root, hemiroot and subcoronary techniques, can be used for homografts and "Freestyle" valves as well as valved conduits, and can be accomplished with acceptable morbidity and mortality. However, the operation takes longer through the smaller incision and therefore requires more careful attention to myocardial protection.
Insights
Minimally invasive aortic root replacement is a feasible surgical option for various aortic valve conditions, demonstrating acceptable outcomes. Careful myocardial protection is crucial due to longer procedure times with smaller incisions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Aortic Valve Disease
Background:
- Aortic root replacement is a critical procedure for managing complex aortic valve pathologies.
- Minimally invasive surgical approaches are increasingly explored to reduce patient morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the early results of minimally invasive aortic root replacement.
- To assess the feasibility and outcomes of this approach across different valve pathologies and techniques.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 37 minimally invasive aortic root replacements performed via upper hemi-sternotomy.
- Patient data included demographics, preoperative status, valve pathology, and surgical techniques.
- Surgical details included implant types, cardiopulmonary bypass, and myocardial protection strategies.
Main Results:
- The procedure was feasible for diverse pathologies including bicuspid valves and endocarditis.
- Low operative mortality (3%) and acceptable morbidity were observed.
- Hospital length of stay was short, with 78% of patients discharged within 7 days.
Conclusions:
- Minimally invasive aortic root replacement is a viable option for a wide spectrum of aortic valve diseases.
- The technique accommodates various surgical methods and implant types.
- Extended operative times necessitate meticulous myocardial protection strategies.
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