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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
12:17
Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
Published on: May 21, 2017
Aortic root replacement in cardiac dextroversion
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK. narain.moorjani@doctors.org.uk
The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery
|October 13, 2006
Summary
This study reports the first aortic root replacement in a patient with cardiac dextroversion, a rare heart malrotation. Surgical techniques were adapted to address the unique anatomical challenges posed by the dextroposed heart.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Adult cardiac surgery is rarely performed in patients with heart malrotation.
- Cardiac dextroversion, a condition involving clockwise rotation of the heart, presents unique anatomical challenges.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old female patient with known cardiac dextroversion presented with dyspnea and pre-syncope.
- Investigations confirmed dextroversion, with anterior wrapping of the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary artery around the aorta.
- The patient also had a calcified bicuspid aortic valve and dilated ascending aorta.
Findings:
- Surgical access required anticlockwise heart rotation for venous cannulation and a superior oblique aortotomy.
- Aortic root replacement with a valved conduit was successfully performed due to the dilated aorta and calcified bicuspid aortic valve.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the feasibility of aortic root replacement in cardiac dextroversion.
- It highlights the need for adapted surgical strategies in rare cardiac malformations.
- This report expands the understanding of surgical management for complex congenital heart anomalies.
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