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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Myocardial revascularization combined with aortic valve replacement
R V Pellegrini1, T Kowalsky, A G Marrangoni
1Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery and Surgical Research Laboratory, Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, USA.
Insights
This study shows that combining coronary artery bypass grafting with aortic valve replacement is safe and effective. Hypothermic blood cardioplegia offers superior myocardial protection for patients with severe coronary and aortic valve disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Anesthesia
Background:
- Aortic valve disease and coronary artery disease often coexist.
- Surgical management requires careful consideration of both conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined myocardial revascularization and aortic valve replacement.
- To assess the effectiveness of hypothermic blood cardioplegia in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 50 consecutive patients undergoing combined procedures.
- Utilized a cold blood cardioplegia technique for myocardial protection.
- Average of 2.3 coronary arteries grafted per patient.
Main Results:
- Low hospital mortality (2 deaths).
- Low perioperative and late myocardial infarction rates.
- Average follow-up of 16 months.
Conclusions:
- Hypothermic blood cardioplegia provides uniform myocardial protection, particularly in hypertrophied ventricles.
- Combined myocardial revascularization and aortic valve replacement is a recommended strategy for patients with concurrent disease.
Abstract:
We reviewed 50 consecutive patients who had undergone complete myocardial revascularization combined with aortic valve replacement during a 5-year interval ending in June 1983. A cold blood cardioplegia technique, utilizing not only the native circulation but also the vein conduits, was used. All patients had greater than 70% stenoses of the major coronary arterial system. No patient had valve replacement alone, and no patient was refused operation. The mean number of arteries grafted was 2.3. There were two hospital deaths. One patient had evidence of perioperative myocardial infarction. There were two late deaths and one non-fatal myocardial infarction during the follow-up period, which averaged 16 months. The technique of hypothermic blood cardioplegia used provides a uniform distribution for myocardial protection, especially in the hypertrophied ventricle, and is superior to previously employed methods. This study indicates that myocardial revascularization combined with aortic valve replacement should be performed in patients with coexisting aortic valvular and coronary disease.
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