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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
Published on: May 21, 2017
Aortic root replacement does not affect outcome and quality of life
Mario Stalder1, Sabine Staffelbach, Franz F Immer
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Berne, Switzerland. mario.stalder@insel.ch
Ascending aorta and aortic valve surgeries are safe with low mortality. Quality of life outcomes were similar to the general population, regardless of surgical technique used for aortic repair.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Aorta Surgery
- Aortic Valve Replacement
Background:
- Studies have investigated the impact of pathology and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest on thoracic aorta surgery outcomes.
- Quality of life is a critical consideration after ascending aorta surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of different surgical procedures on patient outcomes and quality of life after ascending aorta surgery.
Main Methods:
- 244 patients with ascending aorta diseases underwent surgery between 2001-2003.
- Patients were grouped by procedure: isolated ascending aorta replacement, aortic valve replacement with ascending aorta replacement, mechanical composite graft, or biologic composite graft.
- In-hospital data and midterm quality of life (SF-36) were assessed in survivors.
Main Results:
- Overall in-hospital mortality was 6.1% and late mortality was 5.7%, with no significant differences between surgical groups.
- Quality of life was comparable to age- and sex-matched controls, irrespective of surgical technique or extent.
- No significant differences in outcomes were observed between the different surgical approaches.
Conclusions:
- Ascending aorta and aortic valve operations demonstrate a high safety profile with low mortality and favorable midterm outcomes.
- Patient quality of life is not adversely affected by the surgical procedure, supporting aortic root replacement when necessary.
- Surgical strategy for ascending aorta diseases can be liberalized to ensure radical treatment of the diseased segment.
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