Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
14:14
Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Bicuspid aortic valve: differences in the phenotypic continuum affect the repair technique
Andrea Mangini1, Massimo Lemma, Monica Contino
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Luigi Sacco University General Hospital, Via G.B. Grassi 74, Milan 20157, Italy. mangini.andrea@hsacco.it
Summary
Surgical repair of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) offers a viable treatment option for selected patients. Tailored techniques within the BAV phenotypic continuum demonstrate good medium-term outcomes, including high freedom from reoperation and aortic valve replacement.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Cardiac Surgery
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) represents a spectrum of aortic valve abnormalities.
- Understanding the phenotypic continuum of BAV is crucial for effective treatment.
- Surgical repair aims to address the anatomical variations within the BAV spectrum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report outcomes of surgical repair for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).
- To evaluate the efficacy of tailored surgical techniques based on the BAV phenotypic continuum.
- To assess medium-term results of BAV repair, including freedom from reoperation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of 31 patients with BAV undergoing aortic valve repair (Sept 2003 - May 2009).
- Surgical strategy tailored to BAV types: unicuspid, bicuspid with raphe, and clefted bicuspid.
- Echocardiographic analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for freedom from re-operation.
Main Results:
- Successful BAV repair led to significant improvements in leaflet coaptation and reductions in aortic root and related diameters.
- Aortic regurgitation significantly decreased post-repair (30 patients pre-op vs. 1 post-op).
- 96.6% freedom from re-operation at 5 years and 100% freedom from aortic valve replacement were observed.
Conclusions:
- Bicuspid aortic valve repair is a feasible therapeutic option for selected patients.
- Tailored surgical techniques, considering the BAV phenotypic continuum, yield good medium-term results.
- Careful pre-operative analysis of BAV morphology is essential for successful surgical repair.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Heart Valves
The human heart is a complex organ with an intricate system of valves that regulate blood flow. There are two main types of valves: atrioventricular (AV) valves and semilunar valves.
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
01:27Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...