[Selective Sinus Replacement for Aortic Root Disease]

Selective sinus replacement seems a reasonable option in cases requiring replacement of one or two sinuses of Valsalva, especially with acute aortic dissection and high bleeding risk.

Six patients (average age 58±17 years;five males) underwent selective replacement of the right sinus of Valsalva with right coronary artery bypass grafting (n=5) in 2015-2023. Five patients developed acute aortic dissection and one developed aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva.

All patients survived the operation, and there were no cases requiring re-exploration for bleeding. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography showed trivial or less aortic regurgitation (AR) in all patients. Cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time, and lower body circulatory arrest time were 214±28 min, 159±22 min, and 31±6 min (n=5), respectively. During follow-up of 55±44 (4-104) months, all patients were asymptomatic. AR was mild or less in four patients, mild-moderate in one patient, and severe in one patient. All patients had normal cardiac function without left ventricular enlargement, and so no reoperation was required.

Although this method appears to be relatively safe and effective, some patients developed late AR. Long-term follow-up of larger numbers of patients will be necessary to confirm its effectiveness.