title: A Simple Device for Morphofunctional Evaluation During Aortic Valve-Sparing Surgery.
abstract: Valve-sparing operations for the treatment of aortic root disease with a structurally normal aortic valve are increasingly performed as they avoid prosthesis-related complications. Short- and long-term results are critically dependent on perfect intraoperative restoration of valve anatomy and function. Residual aortic regurgitation is the main cause of early failure, and it is the most common motive for reoperation. However, intraoperative morphofunctional valve assessment requires expertise, and only transesophageal echocardiography can provide reliable information. We describe a simple, economic, reproducible hydrostatic test to intraoperatively evaluate valve competency under direct visualization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leone
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Piergiorgio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bruno
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Catholic University, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: fcammer@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cammertoni
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Massetti
mesh_terms: D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000295:instrumentation*; D059351:Organ Sparing Treatments