[Ultrasonic decalcification of the aortic valve. Initial experience]

We report our initial experience in 2 patients with degenerative calcific aortic stenosis who underwent ultrasonic debridement of the aortic valve. Compared with preoperative studies, doppler echocardiographic and hemodynamic evaluation before hospital discharge revealed a reduction in the mean aortic valve pressure gradient (80 and 65 mmHg to less than 10 mmHg). There was no change in aortic regurgitation grade. Follow-up doppler echocardiographic evaluation at four and six months showed no changes in gradient or regurgitation in the comparison to the postoperative data. Long-term results will show the convenience to attempt or not ultrasonic salvage of the native aortic valve in severe calcific stenosis.