Results of valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction in 158 consecutive patients

This study assesses the durability and clinical outcome of valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction using the reimplantation technique in a single center cohort.

From July 1993 to July 2001, 158 patients underwent replacement of the ascending aorta with native valve reimplantation. Mean age of patients was 52 +/- 17 years (9 to 84 years), 103 were men (65%). Thirty-four patients (22%) suffered from Marfan's syndrome. Aortic dissection Stanford type A was present in 29 patients (19%) (22 acute, 7 chronic), and concomitant partial or total arch replacement was necessary in 57 patients (36%). One or more additional procedures were performed in 28 patients (18%). Mean follow-up was 36 +/- 25 months (0.4 to 96 months).

Thirty-day mortality was 3.8% (6 patients), but only 2.2% in elective patients. Mean bypass time was 169 +/- 50 minutes (99 to 440 minutes), aortic cross-clamp time was 129 +/- 31 minutes (79 to 205 minutes). In patients undergoing arch replacement, circulatory arrest was 26 +/- 18 minutes (7 to 99 minutes). During follow-up, there were 5 (3.3%) cardiac-related late deaths. Grade of aortic insufficiency (AI) decreased from 2.3 +/- 1.1 (0 to 4) preoperatively to 0.23 +/- 0.44 (0 to 2) postoperatively (p < 0.0001). Six patients required aortic valve replacement, 4 of those due to progressive AI. Average grade of AI increased significantly to 0.42 +/- 0.61 (0 to 3) at latest evaluation (p = 0.002). Two patients experienced a transient ischemic attack within the first postoperative week. No further thromboembolic complications were noticed. All patients presented with a favorable exercise tolerance.

The aortic valve reimplantation technique achieves excellent clinical outcome with few complications even in complex pathologies. Lack of anticoagulation and favorable durability encourage wider and earlier use of this technique.