Tirone David valve-sparing aortic root replacement and cusp repair for bicuspid aortic valve disease

The durability of valve-sparing aortic root replacement with or without cusp repair in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is questioned. We analyzed the results of 75 patients with a BAV undergoing Tirone David reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

Average age was 45 ± 10 years; 80% were male; 31% had 2+ or greater aortic regurgitation (AR); annular diameter averaged 28 ± 3 mm; 32% had a Sievers' type 0 BAV, and 66% underwent concomitant cusp repair (usually cusp free margin shortening) to correct prolapse. Early (6 ± 3 days) and late (2.9 ± 1.7, 1-10 years) postoperative echocardiographic results were compared (cumulative echocardiographic follow-up, 190 patient-years; median late interval, 2 years [interquartile range, 0.68, 4.2]). Seven patients remained at risk beyond 6 years. Clinical outcome and valve function were analyzed using log-rank calculations.

Actuarial survival was 99% ± 2%; freedom from reoperation was 90% ± 5%, infection 98% ± 2%, and stroke 100% at 6 years. After initial improvement in degree of AR (P < .001), minor subclinical progression of AR was observed (P > .5); however, freedom from AR of more than 2+ was 100%. Cusp free margin shortening was not associated with valve deterioration, but commissural suspensory polytetrafluoroethylene neochord creation (n = 4) portended a higher probability of recurrent AR (P = .025).

After David procedure and cusp repair in patients with a BAV, midterm clinical and valve function outcomes were favorable out to 6 years. More follow-up is required to determine long-term valve durability and the hazard of other clinically important late adverse events, including eventual reoperation, to beyond 10 years.