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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
Published on: May 21, 2017
Replacement of entire aorta from aortic valve to bifurcation during one operation
L G Svensson1, D M Shahian, F G Davis
1Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts 01805.
Abstract:
A 68-year-old patient presented with an extensive aortic aneurysm extending from the aortic valve to the aortic bifurcation associated with severe continuous pain, dysphagia, and hoarseness. Because of the risk of impending rupture and an "elephant trunk" procedure not being an option, the entire aorta from the aortic valve to the aortic bifurcation was replaced during one operation using deep hypothermia with circulatory arrest and retrograde perfusion of the brain through the jugular veins. Seven months after the operation the patient walks more than 3 km a day and lives a normal life. The operative repair is presented.

