[Patch enlargement of the aortic valve ring. Description of a new operation method. An experimental and clinical...

This communication describes a new surgical procedure of enlarging the narrow aortic valve ring by extending the aortic incision through the fibrous origin of the aortic leaflet of the mitral valve into this leaflet. A fusiform patch is sutured to the V-shaped defect in the aortic leaflet of the mitral valve and in the aortic annulus. This procedure permits the enlargement of the hypoplastic aortic valve ring of more than 20 mm and the replacement of the aortic valve by a suitable prosthesis. The operative technique is described, experimental and clinical results are reported.