Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Bicuspidization of the regurgitant unicuspid aortic valve
Diana Aicher1, Hans-Joachim Schäfers
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospitals of Saarland, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany.
Abstract:
Unicuspid anatomy of the aortic valve is an infrequent variant, but may require surgery early in life for regurgitation. We have developed a repair technique that converts the unicuspid into a bicuspid aortic valve and is applicable in most patients. The repair strategy focuses on the creation of a symmetric bicuspid aortic valve with two normal commissures. Abnormal cusp tissue is divided or partially resected. Using autologous pericardium the cusps are augmented and a second normal commissure created. We have been able to use this approach in all regurgitant unicuspid aortic valves. Freedom from reoperation at five years is 80%, freedom from valve replacement at five years is 92%.
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