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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
12:17
Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
Published on: May 21, 2017
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The Impact of Age on Aortic Root Replacement
Elizabeth L Norton1, Parth M Patel1, Dov Levine2
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Suite A 2213, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
Summary
Aortic root replacement is feasible across adult ages, but outcomes and survival are significantly worse for patients 80 and older. Careful risk-benefit analysis is crucial for older patients undergoing this procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Aortic Surgery
Background:
- Aortic root replacement is a common procedure for aortic root and valve pathology.
- Outcomes stratified by age for aortic root replacement are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine short- and long-term outcomes of aortic root replacement stratified by patient age.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2748 adult patients undergoing aortic root replacement from 2004 to 2021.
- Patients were divided into age groups ranging from 18 to ≥80 years.
- Outcomes including stroke, complications, reoperation, and survival were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The ≥80 age group experienced significantly higher stroke rates (9.7%) and in-hospital mortality (13%).
- Older patients (≥80) had more complications, longer hospital stays, and worse 10-year survival (49%).
- Reoperation rates were highest in the 30-39 (7.3%) and 40-49 (5.8%) age groups.
Conclusions:
- Aortic root replacement is possible across all adult ages with acceptable results.
- Operative outcomes and long-term survival are significantly worse in patients aged 80 and older.
- A critical risk:benefit analysis is essential when considering aortic root replacement for patients over 70.
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