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Updated: May 29, 2026

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Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Replacement of the infected composite aortic root prosthesis.
Dipesh K Shah1, Zhuo Li, Soon J Park
1Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|September 23, 2011
Summary
Reoperative aortic root replacement using homografts offers favorable outcomes for infected prostheses. Synthetic graft material does not negatively impact results, ensuring successful aortic repair.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Infectious Disease Management
- Prosthetic Valve Surgery
Background:
- Infected aortic root replacement (ARR) prostheses present a significant clinical challenge.
- Reoperation for these infections requires careful consideration of graft materials and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate freedom from reinfection after surgery for infected aortic root replacement (ARR).
- To assess the impact of using synthetic materials during reoperation for infected ARR.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of adult patients undergoing surgery for infected composite aortic root prostheses.
- Analysis of perioperative outcomes, late survival, and reinfection rates.
Main Results:
- Fifteen patients underwent reoperation, with most receiving homograft reconstruction.
- Freedom from reinfection was favorable, with synthetic graft use showing no adverse impact.
- Positive blood cultures post-redo ARR and multiple sternotomies were associated with lower freedom from reinfection.
Conclusions:
- Homografts are a viable option for replacing infected aortic root prostheses.
- Synthetic materials can be safely used in conjunction with homografts without compromising outcomes.

