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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
Published on: May 21, 2017
Endocarditis with massive aortic root abscess and atrioventricular septal destruction
Landi M Parish1, Liming Liu, Y Joseph Woo
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Aortic root endocarditis with severe destruction requires complex reconstruction. This case demonstrates successful repair using a Dacron patch and valve replacement, preserving heart function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Infective Endocarditis
- Cardiac Reconstruction
Background:
- Infective endocarditis involving the aortic root and intervalvular fibrous skeleton poses significant reconstructive challenges.
- Extensive destruction of the atrioventricular septum complicates surgical management.
Observation:
- A case of endocarditis affecting the aortic root and tricuspid valve with extensive atrioventricular septum destruction is presented.
- Surgical debridement led to resection of the aortic root, aortic valve, tricuspid valve, and a large portion of the atrioventricular septum.
Findings:
- Reconstruction involved separating the left and right heart chambers with a Dacron patch.
- Tricuspid valve replacement and aortic root replacement were performed.
- Accurate planar localization of the aortic root was crucial to prevent complications.
Implications:
- This surgical approach offers a viable solution for extensive aortic root and atrioventricular septum destruction due to endocarditis.
- Successful reconstruction highlights the importance of precise anatomical repair in complex cardiac cases.
- The technique aims to restore cardiac function and prevent further complications in patients with severe endocarditis.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis III: Medical Management

