A new ultrasonic process for a renewal of aortic valve decalcification.
BACKGROUND
Aortic valve decalcification by ultrasound was given up. We evaluated a new ultrasound microhandpiece (Dissectron Penstyle) to rehabilitate this alternative treatment.


METHODS
We used under magnifying lenses the ultrasound microhandpiece to decalcify 30 explanted aortic valves. In the cases with embedded calcifications the thin top of the probe could be introduced into the thickness of the leaflet preserving covering layers.


RESULTS
The leaflets were totally decalcified and flexible, and surrounding structures were preserved as assessed by histological examination.


CONCLUSIONS
This new approach of ultrasonic aortic valve decalcification gives good in vitro results which allow to consider a clinical evaluation of this procedure.
Aubert
Stéphane
S
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Louis Pradel Cardiologic Hospital, University Hospitals of Lyon, F-69500 Bron, France. stephaneaubert@yahoo.fr
Voiglio
Eric
E
Chalabreysse
Lara
L
Farhat
Fadi
F
Jegaden
Olivier
O
D001021:Aortic Valve; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013010:Sonication / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome