Valve-sparing root replacement after prior Starr-Edwards aortic valve replacement.
Historically, patients with prior aortic valve replacements who subsequently present with an ascending aortic aneurysm require placement of a valve conduit. However, if the patient has a functional mechanical valve with proven long-term durability, an attempt can be made to preserve the intact valve and to graft the aneurysmal aortic root. The case is described of a patient with a previously placed Starr-Edwards aortic valve who subsequently developed a 6-cm ascending aortic aneurysm. By removing the valve ball and using the existing sewing ring, a proximal graft anastomosis was created with ease, eliminating valve excision.
Reade
Clifton C
CC
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA. readec@mail.ecu.edu
Kypson
Alan P
AP
Williams
J Mark
JM
D000368:Aged; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D001024:Aortic Valve Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D004452:Echocardiography; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000145:classification; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000145:classification; D012086:Reoperation; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014262:Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery