This work was supported by a grant (N&#176; 32117) of the Swiss Cardiovascular Foundation to RT.

The protocol follows the institutional guidelines of the human research ethics committee.
1. Pre-selection of the Patient
<ol>
	<li>Identify patients with dilation of the sinuses of Valsalva not exceeding 60 mm using the pre-operative computer tomography (CT) scan.</li>
	<li>Next, select among these patients a subgroup with normal or near-normal appearing aortic valve cusps on their pre-operative echocardiography.</li>
	<li>Inform the staff of the possibility of a valve sparing aortic root r...

<ol>
	<li>David, T. E., Feindel, C. M., Bos, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Repair+of+the+aortic+valve+in+patients+with+aortic+insufficiency+and+aortic+root+aneurysm.">Repair of the aortic valve in patients with aortic insufficiency and aortic root aneurysm.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 109 (2), 345-352 (1995).</li><li>Yacoub, M. H., Gehle, P., Chandrasekaran, V., Birks, E. J., Child, A., Radley-Smith, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Late+results+of+a+valve-preserving+operation+in+patients+with+aneurysms+of+the+ascending+aorta+and+root.">Late results of a valve-preserving operation in patients with aneurysms of the ascending aorta and root.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 115 (5), 1080-1090 (1998).</li><li>De Paulis, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=One-year+appraisal+of+a+new+aortic+root+conduit+with+sinuses+of+Valsalva.">One-year appraisal of a new aortic root conduit with sinuses of Valsalva.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 123 (1), 33-39 (2002).</li><li>Rama, A., Rubin, S., Bonnet, N., Gandjbakhch, I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=New+technique+of+aortic+root+reconstruction+with+aortic+valve+annuloplasty+in+ascending+aortic+aneurysm.">New technique of aortic root reconstruction with aortic valve annuloplasty in ascending aortic aneurysm.</a> Ann Thorac Surg. 83 (5), 1908-1910 (2007).</li><li>Richardt, D., Karluss, A., Schmidtke, C., Sievers, H. H., Scharfschwerdt, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+new+sinus+prosthesis+for+aortic+valve-sparing+maintaining+the+shape+of+the+root+at+systemic+pressure.">A new sinus prosthesis for aortic valve-sparing maintaining the shape of the root at systemic pressure.</a> Ann Thorac Surg. 89 (3), 943-946 (2010).</li><li>Schmidtke, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=First+clinical+results+with+the+new+sinus+prosthesis+used+for+valve-sparing+aortic+root+replacement.">First clinical results with the new sinus prosthesis used for valve-sparing aortic root replacement.</a> Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 43 (3), 585-590 (2013).</li><li>Stamou, S. C., Williams, M. L., Gunn, T. M., Hagberg, R. C., Lobdell, K. W., Kouchoukos, N. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Aortic+root+surgery+in+the+United+States:+a+report+from+the+Society+of+Thoracic+Surgeons+database.">Aortic root surgery in the United States: a report from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 149 (1), 116-122 (2015).</li><li>David, T. E., Feindel, C. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+aortic+valve-sparing+operation+for+patients+with+aortic+incompetence+and+aneurysm+of+the+ascending+aorta.">An aortic valve-sparing operation for patients with aortic incompetence and aneurysm of the ascending aorta.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 103 (4), 617-621 (1992).</li><li>Hopkins, R. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Aortic+valve+leaflet+sparing+and+salvage+surgery:+evolution+of+techniques+for+aortic+root+reconstruction.">Aortic valve leaflet sparing and salvage surgery: evolution of techniques for aortic root reconstruction.</a> Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 24 (6), 886-897 (2003).</li><li>Mve Mvondo, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surgical+treatment+of+aortic+valve+regurgitation+secondary+to+ascending+aorta+aneurysm:+is+adjunctive+subcommissural+annuloplasty+necessary?.">Surgical treatment of aortic valve regurgitation secondary to ascending aorta aneurysm: is adjunctive subcommissural annuloplasty necessary?.</a> Ann Thorac Surg. 95 (2), 586-592 (2013).</li><li>Aicher, D., Schneider, U., Schmied, W., Kunihara, T., Tochii, M., Sch&#228;fers, H. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Early+results+with+annular+support+in+reconstruction+of+the+bicuspid+aortic+valve.">Early results with annular support in reconstruction of the bicuspid aortic valve.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 145 (3 Suppl), S30-S34 (2013).</li><li>Lansac, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Aortic+prosthetic+ring+annuloplasty:+a+useful+adjunct+to+a+standardized+aortic+valve-sparing+procedure?.">Aortic prosthetic ring annuloplasty: a useful adjunct to a standardized aortic valve-sparing procedure?.</a> Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 29 (4), 537-544 (2006).</li><li>Tavakoli, R., Jamshidi, P., Gassmann, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Full-root+aortic+valve+replacement+by+stentless+aortic+xenografts+in+patients+with+small+aortic+root.">Full-root aortic valve replacement by stentless aortic xenografts in patients with small aortic root.</a> J Vis Exp. (123), e55632 (2017).</li><li>Zoghbi, W. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Recommendations+for+evaluation+of+the+severity+of+native+valvular+regurgitation+with+two-dimensional+and+Doppler+echocardiography.">Recommendations for evaluation of the severity of native valvular regurgitation with two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography.</a> J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 16 (7), 777-802 (2003).</li><li>Cohle, S. D., Delavan, J. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Coronary+artery+compression+by+teflon+pledget+granuloma+following+aortic+valve+replacement.">Coronary artery compression by teflon pledget granuloma following aortic valve replacement.</a> J Forensic Sci. 42 (5), 945-946 (1997).</li><li>Vallabhajosyula, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Geometric+orientation+of+the+aortic+neoroot+in+patients+with+raphed+bicuspid+aortic+valve+disease+undergoing+primary+cusp+repair+and+a+root+reimplantation+procedure.">Geometric orientation of the aortic neoroot in patients with raphed bicuspid aortic valve disease undergoing primary cusp repair and a root reimplantation procedure.</a> Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 45 (1), 174-180 (2014).</li><li>David, T. E., David, C. M., Feindel, C. M., Manlhiot, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reimplantation+of+the+aortic+valve+at+20+years.">Reimplantation of the aortic valve at 20 years.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 153 (2), 232-238 (2017).</li><li>Zehr, K. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Form+ever+follows+function.">Form ever follows function.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 151 (1), 120-121 (2016).</li><li>De Paulis, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+results+of+the+valve+reimplantation+technique+using+a+graft+with+sinuses.">Long-term results of the valve reimplantation technique using a graft with sinuses.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 151 (1), 112-119 (2016).</li><li>Gleason, T. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=New+graft+formulation+and+modification+of+the+David+reimplantation+technique.">New graft formulation and modification of the David reimplantation technique.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 130 (2), 601-603 (2005).</li><li>Demers, P., Miller, D. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simple+modification+of+"T.+David-V"+valve-sparing+aortic+root+replacement+to+create+graft+pseudosinuses.">Simple modification of "T. David-V" valve-sparing aortic root replacement to create graft pseudosinuses.</a> Ann Thorac Surg. 78 (4), 1479-1481 (2004).</li><li>David, T. E., Maganti, M., Armstrog, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Aortic+root+aneurysm:+principles+of+repair+and+long-term+follow-up.">Aortic root aneurysm: principles of repair and long-term follow-up.</a> J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 140 (6S), S14-S19 (2010).</li><li>Shrestha, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Long-term+results+after+aortic+valve-sparing+operation+(David+I).">Long-term results after aortic valve-sparing operation (David I).</a> Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 41 (1), 56-61 (2012).</li></ol>

In patients presenting with aortic root aneurysm with normal or near-normal aortic cusps, valve-sparing aortic root replacement is a more physiological and hence attractive alternative to composite graft replacement of the aorta and the aortic valve with mechanical or tissue valve. In this protocol, we describe a simplified technique of valve-sparing aortic root replacement by re-implantation of the aortic valve. In contrast to the majority of the previously reported techniques3,<sup cl...

During the past twenty years, the surgical treatment of aortic root aneurysm with normal or near-normal aortic cusps has evolved thanks to a series of surgical procedures aiming at preservation of the native aortic valve1,2,3,4,5. Valve-sparing aortic root replacement is basically accomplished either by re-implantation of the aortic valve inside a synthetic graft1,3,4,6 or by a remodeling technique which restores the physiological anatomy of the aortic root2. Despite the obvious advantages of the preservation of a normal aortic valve during aortic root replacement, many cardiac surgeons replace the aortic valve with either mechanical or biological valve substitutes. According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database, only 14% of patients who underwent aortic root replacement in the United States between 2004 and 2010 received a valve-sparing procedure7.
In the original re-implantation technique, the aortic valve is sutured inside a tubular horizontally crimped synthetic graft8. Although this technique stabilizes the aortic annulus, it eliminates the sinuses of Valsalva. In order to recreate the sinuses of Valsalva, this technique has undergone several modifications by its inventor as well as other authors9. A variation of this technique has been proposed by Rama et al., in which the remnants of the aortic wall supporting the commissures are sutured into longitudinal openings made in the tubular polyethylene terephthalate graft4.
The remodeling technique achieves a more anatomical reconstruction of the aortic root but leaves the aortic annulus unsupported and exposed to future dilatation. Various surgical techniques have been designed to tailor the aortic annular base in aortic root remodeling, including sub-commissural aortic annuloplasty10, circumferential suture annuloplasty11, and internal or external annuloplasty by synthetic partial or complete ring12.
Despite the excellent results reported by experienced authors, the complexity and periodical modifications of these procedures hamper their reproducibility by other cardiac surgeons and thus prevent a number of suitable patients to benefit from retaining their own aortic valve. In order to enhance the reproducibility of the re-implantation technique, we have used a commercially available synthetic graft with an uncrimped, pre-shaped sinus portion and simplified the implantation technique. The aim of this protocol is to describe in detail this standardized and reproducible technique with particular emphasis on the management of the first row of the proximal suture line and of the placement of the commissures inside the graft and the choice of the graft size. Early outcomes and mid-term results are presented. Proper selection of patients for and limitations of this procedure are discussed.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Heart surgery infrastructure:</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heart Lung Machine</td>
			<td>Stockert</td>
			<td>SIII</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EOPA 24Fr. arterial cannula</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>77624</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Atrial caval venous cannula 34/48Fr.</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>93448</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LV vent catheter 17Fr.</td>
			<td>Edwards</td>
			<td>E061</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Antegrade 9Fr. cardioplegia cannula</td>
			<td>Edwards</td>
			<td>AR012V</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Retrograde 14Fr. cardioplegia cannula&#160;</td>
			<td>Edwards</td>
			<td>NPC014&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coronary artery ostial cannula 90&#176;</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>30155</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coronary artery ostial cannula 45&#176;</td>
			<td>Medtronic</td>
			<td>30255</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pre-shaped sinus graft</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cardioroot 28 mm</td>
			<td>Maquet</td>
			<td>HEWROOT0028</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cardioroot 30 mm</td>
			<td>Maquet</td>
			<td>HEWROOT0030</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cardioroot 32 mm</td>
			<td>Maquet</td>
			<td>HEWROOT0032</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electrocautery</td>
			<td>Covidien</td>
			<td>Force FX</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sutures:</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polypropylene 4/0</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>8871H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polypropylene 5/0</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>8870H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polypropylene 6/0</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>EH7400H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Braided polyesther 2/0 ligature with polybutylate coating&#160;</td>
			<td>Ethicon</td>
			<td>X305H</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro knife Sharpoint&#160;</td>
			<td>TYCO Healthcare PTY&#160;</td>
			<td>78-6900</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Drugs:</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Midazolam</td>
			<td>Roche Pharma</td>
			<td>N05CD08</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Rocuronium</td>
			<td>MSD Merck Sharp &#38; Dohme&#160;</td>
			<td>M03AC09</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Propofol</td>
			<td>Fresenius Kabi</td>
			<td>N01AX10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fentanil</td>
			<td>Actavis</td>
			<td>N01AH01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Heparin</td>
			<td>Braun</td>
			<td>B01AB01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Protamin</td>
			<td>MEDA Pharmaceutical</td>
			<td>V03AB14</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Instruments:</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cooley vascular aortic clamp</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC40810-16</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissection forceps Carpentier</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC13110-28&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Scissors Metzenbaum</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>B351751</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Needle holder Ryder</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC51130-20&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dissection forceps DeBakey</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC12000-21&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro needle holder Jacobson</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC50002-21&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Micro scisors Jacobson</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC20057-21&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lung retractor</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>B803990</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Allis clamp</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>DC45907-25&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>O&#8217;Shaugnessy Dissector</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>B60650</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18 blade knife</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>B130180</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Leriche haemostatic clamp</td>
			<td>Delacroix-Chevalier</td>
			<td>B86555</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name</td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>Catalog Number</td>
			<td>Comments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Data analysis</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Kaplan Meier curves</td>
			<td>GraphPad</td>
			<td>Prism 7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

standardized technique of aortic valve re-implantation for valve-sparing aortic root replacement

Despite the obvious advantages of the preservation of a normal aortic valve during aortic root replacement, the complexity of valve sparing procedures prevents a number of cardiac surgeons from incorporating them into their practice. The aim of this protocol is to describe a simplified and user-friendly technique of an aortic valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) procedure by re-implantation of the aortic valve. Proper selection of patients and limitations of the technique are discussed.
In 54 consecutive patients, normal appearing aortic valves were re-implanted in a commercially available polyester prosthesis with pre-shaped sinuses by a simplified and standardized technique. Placement of the first row of the proximal suture line, choice of the prosthesis size, and adjustment of the height of the commissures of the patient to the fixed height of the sinus portion of the prosthesis were slightly modified from the reference techniques with the aim of increasing its feasibility for use by other cardiac surgeons. Early mortality and morbidity as well as 5-year survival, freedom from aortic valve reoperation, and freedom from recurrent moderate regurgitation were collected in all patients.
Thirty-day mortality, re-sternotomy for bleeding, re-sternotomy for mediastinitis, and the incidence of stroke were very low, 1.8% for each (1 of 54). No patient required permanent pace-maker implantation. At 5 years, survival, freedom from aortic valve reoperation, and freedom from recurrent moderate regurgitation were 97.5%, 95.2%, and 91.6%, respectively.
Mid-term results of our standardized technique of re-implantation of the aortic valve for valve-sparing aortic root replacement are very good and compare with more complex techniques reported by experienced surgeons. By following the present protocol of the standardized re-implantation technique, a greater number of cardiac surgeons can perform this procedure with comparable good results.

Statistical Analysis:
Continuous variables are presented as mean &#177; standard deviation and categorical variables as percentages. Kaplan-Meier curves are calculated for survival, freedom from aortic valve reoperation, and freedom from recurrent moderate regurgitation using a commercially available software package.
Patient Population:
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Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement has the advantage of preserving the patient&#39;s own aortic valve. The complexity of the reported techniques to date restricts their use to a limited number of cardiac surgeons. This protocol describes step-by-step a standardized technique reproducible by a greater number of cardiac surgeons.

Despite the obvious advantages of the preservation of a normal aortic valve during aortic root replacement, the complexity of valve sparing procedures ...

The overall goal of this protocol is to describe in detail a Standardized and Reproducible Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement with particular emphasis on the management of the first row of the proximal suture. This method can help answer key questions regarding aortic valve preservation during aortic route replacement. The main advantage of this technique is that it uses a single graft with a pre-shaped sinus portion that helps standardization of the procedure.Begin this procedure with patient selection as detailed in the text protocol. Prepare the surgery suite and the patient for surgery as previously described. Access the heart through a median sternotomy as referenced in the text protocol.Then, prepare the aortic route for replacement by first grabbing the ascending aorta at the sinotubular junction with Carpentier dissection forceps. Then, make a horizontal opening with the 11 blade knife. Complete the aortotomy circumferentially and horizontally with Metzenbaum scissors.After having transected the aorta, verify the absence of calcifications of the cusps and/or thickening and retraction of their free margin. Check the coronary ostia. Dissect the outer aspect of the noncoronary sinus down to the roof of the left atrium, free from the surrounding tissue.Next, detach the right coronary ostium from the aortic wall with a generous circular patch, leaving five millimeters of the aortic wall remnant attached to the insertion of the cusps. Free the commissure between the noncoronary and right coronary sinus from the surrounding tissue. Dissect the outer aspect of the aortic wall remnant of the right coronary sinus free from the outflow tract of the right ventricle.Then, free the outer aspect of the commissure between the noncoronary and left coronary sinus down to the roof of the left atrium. Excise the aortic wall of the noncoronary sinus leaving five millimeters of the aortic wall remnant attached to the insertion of the cusp. Separate the outer aspect of the commissure between the right and left coronary sinus from the surrounding tissue.Take care not to injure the pulmonary artery. Then, detach the left coronary ostium from the aortic wall with the generous circular patch, leaving five millimeters of the aortic wall remnant attached to the insertion of the cusp. Mobilize the left main coronary artery over its first 10 millimeters.Dissect the outer aspect of the aortic wall remnant of the left coronary sinus free from the roof of the left atrium. Start the proximal implantation of the prosthesis as described in the text protocol. The single most difficult step of this procedure is the placement of the first row of the sutures by taking care not to injure the membranous septum and the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve.Place the fourth suture next to the third one in the direction of the commissure between the noncoronary and right coronary sinus. Avoid the base of the commissural triangle between the noncoronary and right coronary sinus, so as to not compromise the membranous septum. Start the first suture of the right coronary sinus two millimeters away from the base of the commissural triangle of the commissure between the noncoronary and right coronary sinus, thus skipping the membranous septum.Put the following sutures of the right coronary sinus in the direction of the commissure between the left and right coronary sinus. Place the fourth suture of the right coronary sinus at the base of the commissural triangle of the commissure between the left and right coronary sinus. Now pass the mattress sutures inside out into the prosthesis.Slide down the prosthesis, thus placing the valve inside it. Tie the mattress sutures gently and cut them. Start the second row of the proximal anastomosis as described in the text protocol.Finish the second row of the proximal anastomosis by fixing the remnant of the aortic wall in parallel to the insertion of the cusp up to the commissure, between the noncoronary and right coronary sinus. Tie the two suture ends together at each commissure. Check the absence of aortic regurgitation by filling the prosthesis with saline and applying suction to the vent placed to the right pulmonary vein and the mitral valve into the left ventricle.Reconnect the coronary ostia to the prosthesis by first creating a button hole in the left sinus of the prosthesis and placing the first stitch as detailed in the text protocol. Place the second stitch two millimeters to the right of the first one from inside out of the prosthesis and outside in of the left coronary ostium up to the mid height of the right ridge of the anastomosis. Put the suture end under light tension.Continue the running suture on the left ridge of the anastomosis from outside in the prosthesis and from inside out of the left coronary ostium to meet the other end. Tie the two ends together. After creating a button hole on the right sinus of the prosthesis and starting a suture as detailed in the text protocol, continue the suture to the mid height of the right ridge of the anastomosis and put the end under light tension.Complete the anastomosis by running the left ridge of the anastomosis to meet the other end. Tie the two ends together. Start the distal anastomosis as described in the text.Complete the distal anastomosis by running the suture on the left ridge to meet the other end. Tie the ends together. Tilt the operating table in the Trendelenburg position.Let the pump flow reduce to 50%of the full flow and slowly remove the aortic cross clamp under gentle aspiration of the left ventricular vent. After the procedure, resume the full flow of the cardiopulmonary bypass and check the operative field for undue surgical bleeding. Rewarm and separate the patient from the cardiopulmonary bypass.Finally, perform a post-operative patient care as referenced in the text protocol. The Kaplan Meier survival curve reveals that there were a total of three deaths in this series during the follow-up period. Thus, the five-year survival rate in this series was 97.5%and the 10-year survival rate was 92.5%Two of the four patients with recurrent moderate aortic regurgitation, underwent re-operation because of the progredient left ventricle dilatation.As a result, the freedom of re-operation for aortic valve replacement was 95.2%at five years and 93%at 10 years. For patients developed moderate aortic regurgitation during the follow up period. Therefore, their freedom from moderate aortic regurgitation was 91.6%at five years and 90%at 10 years.Once mastered, this technique can be done in 150 minutes if it is performed properly. While attempting this procedure, it is important to remember to entirely free the aortic route from the surrounding tissue. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to avoid injury to the membranous septum during the procedure.Following this protocol, other surgical procedures on the aortic route can be performed to address different route pathologies. After its development, this technique opened the era of the preservation of the normal aortic valve during aortic route surgery. Don't forget that operating on the aortic route can be hazardous and gentle dissection of the tissue and placement of the sutures should always be taken while performing this procedure.

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13.8K ビュー.  Hopitaux de Paris (APHP), Institut de Cardiologie. The overall goal of this protocol is to describe in detail a Standardized and Reproducible Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement with particular emphasis on the management of the first row of the proximal suture. This method can help answer key questions regarding aortic valve preservation during aortic route replacement. The main advantage of this technique is that it uses a single graft with a pre-shaped sinus portion that helps standardization ...