Long-term evaluation of allograft aorta and valve replacement

A technique for the management of dissecting aortic aneurysm with aortic valve insufficiency, using allograft replacement and coronary artery reimplantation is presented. The author's experience is based in 56 allograft valve implantations. The softness of the biological material facilitates the coaptation between the valve and an often irregular, calcified bed, as well as reimplantation of coronary arteries. Allograft transplantation produces an immunological response, but this has no notable clinical significance. Long-term results are very satisfactory. Cases of endocarditis, cusp rupture and severe calcification have not been observed.