[Surgical treatment of Valsalva sinus aneurysms and fistulas]

Valsalva sinus aneurysms and fistulas (ASV; FSV) are rare aortic pathologies and present in only a few percent of patients with aorta and/or left arterial orifice disease. Etiology of ASV and FVS is congenital and acquired.

40 patients (pts) were operated on in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology from 1978 to 2002 due to pathology of Valsalva sinus (< 1% of all operations in ECC). 18 pts were diagnosed with Valsalva sinus aneurysm and 22 with its fistula. Inflammatory etiology was confirmed in 22 pts (5%). Most common pathology was localized in the right and/or coronary lacking Valsalva sinus (30 pts-75%). FSV penetrated into the right atrium or ventricle in 20 pts (91%). Among accompanying pathologies aortic valve insufficiency was most frequently found. In 80% of pts with ASV aortic allografts were implanted. In 70% of pts with FSV, fistula was sutured with interrupted pledgeted mattress sutures. Accompanying anomalies were corrected simultaneously. Mechanical aortic valve was implanted in 9 pts.

2 pts died in the early post-operative period and 3 in the follow up. Reoperation (with good results) was performed in 4 pts. At discharge all pts were in NYHA I/II except 1 pt in NYHA III. Objective estimation of patient's cardiopulmonary sufficiency did not differ from the subjective one. 24 pts performed normal life activities after operation. The echocardiography confirmed effectiveness of surgical treatment.

1. ASV and FSV require different surgical techniques. 2. Surgical treatment efficiently reduced symptoms. 3. Allografts were found very useful. 4. Accompanied anomalies should be treated simultaneously.