Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
12:17

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots

Published on: May 21, 2017

Total calcification of an aortic homograft used as aortic root replacement

Giacomo Ravenni1, Stefano Pratali, Giovanni Scioti

  • 1Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Section of Cardiac Surgery, University of Pisa, Medical School, Pisa, Italy.

Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
|January 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Reoperation for calcified aortic homografts is challenging. Complete homograft dissection and mechanical conduit replacement were performed, requiring saphenous vein graft reconstruction for a disrupted coronary artery ostium.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Biomaterials Science

Background:

  • Aortic root replacement with homografts is a common procedure.
  • Homograft failure due to calcification necessitates reoperation.
  • Mechanical conduits offer an alternative for aortic root replacement.

Observation:

  • A 66-year-old male patient experienced total calcification of a previously implanted aortic homograft.
  • The homograft had been in place for approximately 10 years.
  • Reoperation involved complete homograft dissection and en-bloc replacement with a mechanical conduit.

Findings:

  • The surgical procedure required meticulous dissection of the calcified homograft.
  • Disruption of the right coronary ostium occurred during dissection.
  • Reconstruction of the right coronary ostium was achieved using a saphenous vein segment.

Implications:

  • Reoperation for failed aortic homografts presents significant technical difficulties.
  • Careful surgical technique is crucial to manage complications like coronary ostium disruption.
  • This case highlights the challenges associated with long-term homograft performance and subsequent reinterventions.

More Related Videos

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement14:14

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement

Published on: December 11, 2017

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...