Aortic Root Pressurizing Device: Aortic Valve Evaluation During Cardioplegic Arrest.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Device Engineering
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Aortic valve repair requires precise assessment of valve function.
• Current methods may be limited during cardioplegic arrest.
• Simulating diastolic afterload is crucial for accurate evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel aortic root pressurizing device.
• To enable echocardiographic assessment of the aortic valve during cardioplegic arrest.
• To mimic diastolic afterload for realistic valve function evaluation.

Main Methods:

• The device, made of polyoxymethylene or PEEK, connects to aortic grafts.
• Tested in 15 porcine hearts using a beating heart biosimulator.
• Hemodynamic and echocardiographic monitoring were employed.

Main Results:

• The device allowed echocardiographic proof of surgically induced aortic insufficiency.
• Valve competence was assessed at 60 and 45 mm Hg root pressure.
• Results showed consistent jet direction at varying pressures.

Conclusions:

• The aortic root pressurizing device provides reliable echocardiographic evaluation.
• It achieves comparable results between static and dynamic settings.
• This tool enhances aortic valve assessment during surgical procedures.