title: Preserving a Well-Functioning 33-Year-Old Starr-Edwards Aortic Prosthesis in Repeat Aortic Root Aneurysm Repair.
abstract: We report the case of a 61-year-old obese male patient in whom we found a well-functioning 33-year-old Starr-Edwards aortic prosthesis during repeat aortic surgery. Rather than explant the prosthesis, we remodeled the aortic root, almost completely removing the aortic sinuses and leaving only a pillar of aortic tissue around the coronary ostia. The proximal end of a Hemashield tube-graft was then scalloped to accommodate the remaining aortic tissue. The patient's heart function was excellent after his weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Simplifying the repeat aortic root repair, by preserving a well-functioning Starr-Edwards valve, might lead to a better outcome in similar cases. We also discuss other instances of this valve's durability.
authors.forename: Abdallah K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Alameddine
authors.forename: Victor K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Alimov
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Rousou
authors.forename: Fabrizio I
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Pluchino
mesh_terms: D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Aortic valve/surgery; heart valve prosthesis; reoperation; time factors; treatment outcome