Universal method for insertion of unstented aortic autografts, homografts, and xenografts

Since the advent of homograft aortic valve replacement surgery in the early 1960s, this procedure has been plagued by early aortic insufficiency. This problem has not been observed with total aortic root replacement. From September 1985 to April 1991, a modified method was used in 25 of 39 consecutive patients having aortic root replacement--seven having autografts, 30 having homografts, and two having xenografts. This technique is a new approach for implanting unstented valves in the aortic position. It decreases the probability of early failure resulting from technical malalignment of the valve during implantation. Further, it avoids the need to destroy the recipient aortic root. Whether the valve being used is an autograft, homograft, or xenograft, this method standardizes the insertion technique regardless of the anatomy or disease. Salient features of the method include the following: a longitudinal aortotomy to the aortic anulus in the midportion of the noncoronary sinus; a proximal interrupted suture line with the valve oriented in the anatomic position; and circumferential running monofilament side-to-side approximation of the donor coronary ostia to the recipient coronary ostia. The two anterior commissures are left untethered by nonclosure of the recipient aortotomy. Preliminary results have been impressive, with follow-up ranging from 1 to 3 years in 30 of these patients. Postoperative aortic insufficiency was significant in only two cases. There has been no progression of aortic insufficiency detectable by diastolic murmur or echocardiogram. Late complications have been minimal, and the overall clinical results have been excellent.