Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Bicuspid-aortic valve surgery: repair or replace?
Pietro Bajona1, Christopher M Feindel
1Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Peter Munk Cardiovascular Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Surgical management of bicuspid aortic valve disease and associated aortic conditions presents challenges. Recommendations emphasize individualized, complex decision-making for optimal patient outcomes in bicuspid aortic valve repair.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Bicuspid aortic valve disease often involves associated aortic pathologies, complicating surgical approaches.
- Existing guidelines for bicuspid aortic valve management, established in 2006, are consensus-based and not universally adopted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide recommendations for the surgical management of bicuspid aortic valve disease and associated aortic disease.
- To synthesize recent literature and clinical experience to guide surgical decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on bicuspid aortic valve disease management.
- Analysis of clinical experience in surgical interventions for bicuspid aortic valve and aortic disease.
Main Results:
- Current guidelines for bicuspid aortic valve management are based on observational studies and may not reflect all surgical practices.
- Surgical strategies for bicuspid aortic valve disease require careful consideration of individual patient factors.
Conclusions:
- The surgical approach for bicuspid aortic valve and associated aortic disease must be tailored to each patient.
- Complex decision-making is integral to the successful surgical management of these conditions.
Purpose Of Review:
The surgical management of the bicuspid-aortic valve along with associated aortic disease remains a challenge. On the basis of recent literature as well as on our own experience, we offer several recommendations for the most appropriate surgical management of the patients with bicuspid-aortic valve disease.
Recent Findings:
In 2006, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association published guidelines in order to define the standard of care for the management of patients with bicuspid-aortic valve; however, these are consensus-based, mainly from observational studies, and not all surgeons accept these recommendations.
Summary:
Surgery for bicuspid-aortic valve and associated aortic disease should be 'custom-made' for each patient and may require complex decision-making.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Heart 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...
