title: Is size-reducing ascending aortoplasty with external reinforcement an option in modern aortic surgery?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Enlargement of the ascending aorta is often combined with valvular, coronary, or other cardiac diseases. Reduction aortoplasty can be an optional therapy; however, indications regarding the diameter of aorta, the history of dilatation (poststenosis, bicuspid aortic valve), or the intraoperative management (wall excision, reduction suture, external reinforcement) are not established.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a retrospective study between 1997 and 2005, we investigated 531 patients operated for aneurysm or ectasia of the ascending aorta (diameter: 45-76mm). Of these, in 50 patients, size-reducing ascending aortoplasty was performed. External reinforcement with a non-coated dacron prosthesis was added in order to stabilize the aortic wall.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Aortoplasty was associated with aortic valve replacement in 47 cases (35 mechanical vs 12 biological), subvalvular myectomy in 29 cases, and CABG in 13 cases. The procedure was performed with low hospital mortality (2%) and a low postoperative morbidity. Computertomographic and echocardiographic diameters were significantly smaller after reduction (55.8+/-9mm down to 40.51+/-6.2mm (CT), p<0.002; 54.1+/-6.7mm preoperatively down to 38.7+/-7.1mm (echocardiography), p<0.002), with stable performance in long-term follow-up (mean follow-up time: 70 months).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As demonstrated in this study, size reduction of the ascending aorta using aortoplasty with external reinforcement is a safe procedure with excellent long-term results. It is a therapeutic option in modern aortic surgery in patients with poststenotic dilatation of the aorta without impairment of the sinotubular junction of the aortic valve and root.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heinrich-Heine-University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Feindt
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Litmathe
authors.forename: Adina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Börgens
authors.forename: Udo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Boeken
authors.forename: Muhammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kurt
authors.forename: Emmeran
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000601:surgery; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome