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We reported our long-term results of valve sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) and aortic cusp repair for aortic regurgitation( AR) were satisfactory. Three hundred twenty-seven patients had VSRR, and 164 patients of them had aortic cusp repair for prolapse. At 10 years after the operation, the overall survival was 91.5%, the freedom from more than mild recurrent AR was 71.2%, and the freedom from aortic valve reoperation was 82.0%. As for the aortic cusp repair technique, there was no significant difference in the mid-term results of the recurrent AR and reoperation for the aortic valve between the central plication technique and the resuspension technique (two layers of continuous mattress sutures placed the entire length of the free margin of the aortic cusp). The resuspension technique might be useful for repairing the aortic cusp with prolapse. Furthermore, among the patients with acute aortic dissection, connective tissue disease, or aortitis, the long-term results of VSRR and aortic cusp repair were also satisfactory.

Background: Long-term results of valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) and aortic cusp repair for aortic regurgitation are unclear., Methods: VSRR by reimplantation was performed in 363 patients. Tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and bicuspid aortic valve were found in 285 and 71 patients, respectively., Results: Aortic cusp repair was performed in 268 patients. Of patients with TAV 129 had central plication of the Arantius node, 36 had free margin resuspension, and 71 had reinforcement. Mean follow-up was 71.4 months. Among TAV patients freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 10 and 15 years was 85.1% and 78.3%, respectively. Freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 10 years was lower in patients with cusp prolapse than without (77.4% vs 93.2%, P = .007). The overall freedom from more than mild aortic regurgitation at 10 and 15 years was 72.4% and 64.0%, respectively. It was also significantly greater in patients without cusp prolapse (78.4% vs 67.7%, P = .02). As for the cusp repair technique the freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 10 years was significantly better in patients who underwent only resuspension or reinforcement techniques compared with patients who underwent only central plication technique (100% vs 72.8%, P = .008)., Conclusions: Long-term results of VSRR with aortic cusp repair were satisfactory. The resuspension technique appears to be useful for repairing aortic cusp prolapse in patients with TAV., (Copyright © 2024 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We report the case of a 2-year-old girl with Loeys-Dietz syndrome complicated by aortic root dilatation and aortic regurgitation. We performed valve-sparing aortic root replacement with reimplantation technique and aortic valve repair using central plication and free-margin reinforcement simultaneously. The postoperative course was uneventful and the latest echocardiography, 5 years after procedure, revealed trivial aortic insufficiency., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.)

Objective: Aortic root reoperation after aortic dissection repair sometimes requires aortic root replacement. A valve-preserving technique should be applied when the aortic cusp is normal. Valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction using the reimplantation technique resolves aortic valve regurgitation, root dilatation, and pseudoaneurysm in the proximal anastomosis. Our experience in aortic root reoperation is presented., Methods: From January 2000 to March 2019, 26 patients underwent reoperative valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction using the reimplantation technique. The time from the initial operation to reoperation was 69.3 ± 51.6 months. Aortic root reoperation was required for a fragile wall at the previous proximal anastomosis or aortic root dilatation. We aimed to stabilize the aortic root without valve regurgitation. The native aortic cusp was aggressively preserved when nearly normal. Indications included root dilatation ( n  = 13), pseudoaneurysm of the previous proximal anastomosis ( n  = 11), and aortic valve regurgitation ( n  = 4)., Results: There was no early postoperative mortality. Follow-up was 49 ± 47 months (range 4-161 months). The 3, 5, and 10-year survival was 88.9% ± 7.4%, 88.9% ± 7.4%, and 77.8% ± 12.2%, respectively. Freedom from recurrence of a greater than moderate degree of aortic valve regurgitation at 3, 5, and 10 years was 86.5% ± 8.9%, 86.5% ± 8.9%, and 86.5% ± 8.9%, respectively. One patient underwent aortic valve replacement for recurrent aortic valve regurgitation 15 months after the valve-sparing reoperation., Conclusions: Midterm outcomes of reoperative valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction using the reimplantation technique and postoperative aortic valve performance were satisfactory.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fate of the preserved aortic root after supracoronary aortic replacement for acute type A aortic dissection., Methods: Between October 1999 and March 2018, 339 patients underwent supracoronary aortic replacement for acute type A aortic dissection at our institution. Late outcomes were evaluated, including overall survival, aortic-related death, and aortic root-related reoperation. The median follow-up was 3.7 years (1.4-8.4 years)., Results: Operative mortality was 46 patients (13.6%). The cumulative incidences at 5 years for aortic root-related reoperation, aortic-related death, and non-aortic related death were 2.5%, 14.5% and 12.4%, respectively. Multivariable Cox hazard regression analysis demonstrated greater sinus of Valsalva diameter and number of commissural detachments to be significant risk factors for a composite outcome consisting of aortic-related death or aortic root-related reoperation. Mixed-effects regression demonstrated that sinus of Valsalva diameter significantly increased with time (P < .001), and aortic regurgitation significantly worsened (P < .001)., Conclusions: Sinus of Valsalva diameter and commissural detachment were independent predictors of unfavorable outcomes after supracoronary aortic replacement. Close follow-up is particularly necessary for these patients, and aortic root replacement at the time of initial operation may lead to more favorable late outcomes., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objectives: To review the outcomes of bicuspid aortic valve repair with the reimplantation technique., Patients and Methods: From 2006 to 2018, 46 patients with bicuspid aortic valve underwent the reimplantation procedure for aortic valve repair. Those patients were included in this study. The mean age was 45 ± 15 years and 44 were male. Preoperative echocardiography showed a mean ventriculoaortic junction diameter of 28 ± 3 mm. The mean diameter at the sinus of Valsalva was 41 ± 9 mm. The minimum cusp height was 19 ± 3 mm. Regarding cusp repair technique, central plication was used in 45 patients, free margin reinforcement in 10 patients, and patch repair in 4 patients. Follow-up was performed by annual echocardiography., Results: There were no hospital deaths. All patients were found with either no/trivial or mild AR on postoperative transesophageal echocardiography. The postoperative ventriculoaortic junction diameter was 23 ± 2 mm and 83 ± 17% preoperatively. Freedom from moderate AR was 85 ± 6% at 5 years, and freedom from reoperation was 93 ± 4% at 5 years., Conclusions: Reimplantation for bicuspid aortic valve repair showed acceptable mid-term outcomes.

Objectives: Valve repair for aortic insufficiency (AI) requires a tailored surgical approach determined by the leaflet and aortic disease. In this study, we used a repair-oriented system for the classification of AI, and we elucidated long-term outcomes of aortic root reimplantation with this classification system., Methods: From 1999 to 2018, a total of 197 patients underwent elective reimplantation (mean age: 52.7 ± 17.7 years; 80% male). The aortic valve was tricuspid in 143 patients, bicuspid in 51 patients and quadricuspid in 3 patients. A total of 93 patients had type I AI (aortic dilatation), 57 patients had type II AI (cusp prolapse) and 47 patients had type III AI (restrictive). In total, 104 of the 264 patients (39%) had more than 1 identified mechanism., Results: In-hospital mortality was 0.5% (1/197). Mid-term follow-up (mean follow-up duration: 5.5 years) revealed a late mortality rate of 4.2% (9/197). Aortic valve reoperation was performed on 16 patients (8.0%). Rates of freedom from aortic valve replacement and freedom from aortic valve-related events at 10 years of follow-up were 87.0 ± 4.0% and 60.6 ± 6.0%, respectively; patients with type Ib AI (98.3 ± 1.7%; 80.7 ± 7.5%) had better outcomes than patients with type III AI (59.6 ± 15.6%; 42.2 ± 13.1%, P = 0.01). In patients with types II and III AI who had bicuspid aortic valves, rates of freedom from aortic valve-related events at 5 years of follow-up were 95.2 ± 4.7% and 71.7 ± 9.1%, respectively (P = 0.03)., Conclusions: This repair-oriented system for classifying AI could help to predict the durable aortic valve repair techniques. Patient selection according to the classification is particularly important for long-term durability., Clinical Trial Registration Number: B190050., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study investigated the mid-term outcomes of simultaneous mitral valve repair in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and concomitant annulo-aortic ectasia., Methods: The study included 26 patients with MR and annulo-aortic ectasia [mean age 46.0 ± 19.9 (10-86) years] who underwent simultaneous mitral valve repair between January 2007 and March 2018. Of these 26 patients, 11 (42.3%) were diagnosed with Marfan syndrome and 10 (38.5%) with Barlow's disease. All patients underwent complete ring annuloplasty; a semi-rigid ring was used in 14 (53.8%) and a semi-flexible ring (anterior-flexible) in 12 patients (46.2%). All patients underwent valve-sparing root replacement using the reimplantation technique., Results: The overall 3-year survival rate was 95.7 ± 4.3%. The 3-year freedom from > moderate MR rate was 94.7 ± 5.1%, and the 3-year freedom from > moderate aortic regurgitation (AR) rate was 86.7 ± 7.3%. The 3-year freedom from reoperation rate was 100%. The 3-year freedom from > moderate MR rate was 100% in the semi-rigid ring group and 85.7 ± 13.2% in the semi-flexible ring group (log-rank test, p = 0.5371). The 3-year freedom from > moderate AR rate was 100% in the semi-rigid ring group and 72.9 ± 16.5% in the semi-flexible ring group (log-rank test, p = 0.0815)., Conclusions: Simultaneous mitral valve repair in patients with MR and concomitant annulo-aortic ectasia showed favorable mid-term outcomes.

Quadricuspid aortic valves are rare congenital malformations. Although aortic valve replacement is the first-choice treatment in most cases, aortic valve repair using a tricuspidization procedure has been reported. Herein, we report the case of a patient with a quadricuspid aortic valve associated with aortic insufficiency that we successfully repaired with aortic valve-sparing root replacement and bicuspidization., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: We report early and midterm outcomes of elderly patients who underwent valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) compared with younger patients and those with Bentall procedure., Methods: From October 1999 to October 2017, 73 patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age who underwent VSRR procedure were assigned as group S. Two hundred thirty-two VSRR patients who were between 15 and 64 years of age were assigned as group Y. Forty-five patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age who underwent Bentall procedure were assigned as group R. Preoperative grades of aortic regurgitation were 3.4 of 4 in group S, 3.1 of 4 in group Y, and 3.3 of 4 in group R (p = 0.07)., Results: Hospital mortality was found in 1 (1.4%) patient in group S, 3 (6.7%) in group R, and 2 (0.9%) in group Y. Postoperative survival at 5 years was 88.5% in group S, 98.7% in group Y, and 82.4% in group R (p < 0.01). Freedom from more than mild aortic regurgitation at 5 years was 81.0% in group S and 85.4% in group Y. Follow-up echocardiography disclosed an effective aortic valve orifice area of 1.76 cm 2 in group R, 2.40 cm 2 in group Y, and 2.41 cm 2 in group S (p < 0.01), and peak pressure gradient across the aortic valve was 17.7 mm Hg in group R, 13.6 mm Hg in group Y, and 10.8 mm Hg in group S (p < 0.01)., Conclusions: Similar early and late outcomes were achieved in elder VSRR patients compared with younger patients. A better postoperative valve performance was demonstrated in VSRR patients than patients undergoing valve-replacement., (Copyright © 2019 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 13-year-old male presented with neoaortic root dilatation and severe aortic valve regurgitation 13 years following an arterial switch operation. The valve cusps were unbalanced due to an enlarged non-coronary cusp. A valve-sparing reimplantation with a cusp plication was performed which resulted in a competent valve with trivial regurgitation. Thus, even in an unbalanced cusp, valve-sparing reimplantation can be used for neoaortic root dilatation and valve regurgitation after an arterial switch operation., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Annular fixation has an important role aortic valve repair for aortic regurgitation. We have used the reimplantation procedure as annular fixation combined with cusp repair rechniques for aortic valve repair even in small aortic root( <50 mm) since 2010. Freedom from aortic valve reoperation was 93% at 5 years and 79% at 8 years. Freedom from greater than moderate aortic regurgitation was 80% at 5 years and 71% at 8 years. Although the outcomes were not satisfactory and should be improved, this technique would be one of choices in selected patients, considering durability of bioprostheses and anticoagulation-related events in mechanical valves.

Objective: Although aortic valve-sparing operations are performed throughout Japan, the indications, specific repair techniques, and outcomes have not been reported in full. Thus, we conducted the first nationwide survey of aortic valve-sparing surgery., Methods: We mailed a questionnaire to 508 institutions across Japan to obtain information on elective aortic valve and aortic root surgeries performed in 2014. Included in the mailing was a secondary questionnaire that sought further information from institutions reporting aortic valve-sparing surgeries., Results: Two hundred and fifty (49%) institutions responded and reported a total of 7859 aortic valve operations and 771 aortic root operations. Aortic valve operations performed strictly for aortic regurgitation totaled 2080, 156 (8%) of which were aortic valve repairs. Of the 699 aortic root surgeries performed for aortic regurgitation, 236 (34%) were valve-sparing root replacement surgeries. The valve-sparing root replacement surgeries comprised aortic valve reimplantation (n = 173, 73%) and aortic root remodeling (n = 63, 27%). Five of 57 (9%) institutions were responsible for 42% (99/233) of the total aortic valve-sparing surgeries performed. Detailed information that was obtained for 233 patients who underwent aortic valve repair or valve-sparing root replacement showed 30-day mortality and reoperation for regurgitation after aortic valve repair (n = 97), aortic root remodeling (n = 37), and aortic valve reimplantation (n = 99) to be 1, 0, and 1% and 3, 3, and 1%, respectively., Conclusion: To date, aortic valve-sparing operations have been performed for limited patients at limited institution in Japan, but the early outcomes have been excellent.

Objective: We describe a simple method to assess the aortic valve using a videoscope inserted in the left ventricle (LV-VS) during valve-sparing root replacement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this technique by comparing it with the findings of postoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)., Methods: Thirty-six patients (29 male, mean age 45.4 ± 20.1 years) undergoing aortic root reimplantation were assessed intraoperatively with LV-VS. The LV-VS was inserted from the right upper pulmonary vein into the left ventricle and set toward the aortic valve. After completion of graft implantation, inspection was performed with LV-VS by pressurizing the neo-sinus before attachment of coronary arteries. Valve competency evaluated by LV-VS was compared with postoperative TEE findings, according to the group of cusp morphologies. Group 1 included 26 patients with tricuspid aortic valve, and group 2 included 9 patients with bicuspid aortic valve and 1 quadricuspid aortic valve., Results: The grade of aortic regurgitation (AR) improved from 2.9 ± 1.6 preoperatively to 0.33 ± 0.6 postoperatively (P < .001 vs preoperatively). In 4 patients, LV-VS was used only before repair. In group 1, intraoperative LV-VS showed a competent valve in 20 and an incompetent valve in 3 patients, and postoperative TEE showed non/trivial AR in 15, mild AR in 5, and mild-to-moderate AR in 3 patients. In group 2, 9 patients achieved a competent valve on intraoperative LV-VS and non/trivial AR on postoperative TEE., Conclusions: Intraoperative direct inspection with LV-VS is a feasible method for confirming the completion of cusp repair., (Copyright © 2017 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: We aimed to ascertain the durability of cusp repair techniques used in reimplantation procedures., Methods: Between 2000 and 2015, 249 patients (mean age, 49 ± 17 years) with aortic insufficiency underwent the reimplantation procedure. The pathology was acute aortic dissection in 24 and non-dissection in 225 patients. Preoperative aortic regurgitation (AR) was absent in 9, 1+ in 19, 2+ in 20, 3+ in 71 and 4+ in 120 patients. The mean aortic root and ascending aortic diameters were 47 ± 9 mm and 38 ± 7 mm, respectively. The following techniques of cusp repair were used: none (83), central plication (130), free margin reinforcement (57) and patch repair (19). Annual echocardiography was performed. Freedom from moderate aortic insufficiency and aortic valve reoperation were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors influencing the freedom from moderate or severe AR were calculated by proportional hazard analysis., Results: Mean follow-up period was 56  ±  44 months. Freedom from moderate or severe AR was 82%±3% and 77% ± 4% at 5 and 8 years, respectively, whereas freedom from aortic valve reoperation was 93%±8% and 87% ± 3% at 5 and 8 years, respectively. Recurrent AR and infection were causes of reoperation in 13 and 3 patients, respectively. Preoperative cusp prolapse, technique of free margin reinforcement used and patch repair were significant factors for recurrent AR by proportional hazard analysis. Central plication was not a significant factor for recurrent AR., Conclusions: Preoperative cusp prolapse was a risk factor, whereas central plication was not a risk factor for recurrent AR. Free margin reinforcement had a positive effect, whereas patch repair had a negative effect on aortic valve durability., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the longitudinal valve function after valve-sparing root replacement in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs), in terms of both transvalvular pressure gradient (TVPG) and freedom from aortic regurgitation., Methods: In this non-randomized retrospective study, two different approaches were chosen for correcting the circumferential orientation of commissures during aortic root reimplantation for Sievers type I BAV: (i) 180° orientation, in which both cusps occupy equal surface areas and (ii) preserving native commissural orientation. From 2005 to 2015, 41 consecutive patients with Sievers type I BAV undergoing valve-sparing root replacement were divided into two groups according to the techniques: native orientation group and 180° group., Results: The native orientation group included 22 patients (age, 45.1 ± 13.6 years) and the 180° group included 19 patients (age, 36.6 ± 13.7 years; P = 0.053). There was no significant difference in preoperative variables between the two groups. Postoperative and follow-up echocardiography revealed the following: the average TVPG at the time of discharge in the native orientation and the 180° groups was 17.3 ± 6.6 and 21.7 ± 11.1 mmHg (P = 0.16), respectively, at peak and 10.0 ± 3.7 and 11.7 ± 6.0 mmHg (P = 0.33), respectively, at mean; at follow-up, the corresponding values were 19.1 ± 6.6 and 22.9 ± 10.6 mmHg (P = 0.24) at peak and 9.9 ± 3.8 and 13.2 ± 7.2 mmHg (P = 0.12) at mean. Thus, there was a trend towards higher TVPG in the 180° group. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative commissural angles was correlated with higher postoperative peak and mean TVPG (r = 0.53, P = 0.041, 95% confidence interval, 0.029-0.82 at peak and r = 0.58, P = 0.024, 95% confidence interval, 0.092-0.84 at mean)., Conclusions: In terms of freedom from aortic regurgitation and valve function, similar outcomes were achieved in both despite different repair techniques used for fixation of commissures during valve-sparing aortic root replacement in BAV. However, attention should be paid to patients with 180° commissural reposition because of a trend towards higher TVPG., (© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim of the Study: The study aim was to examine the echocardiographic features associated with recurrent aortic regurgitation (AR) after valve-preserving aortic root reconstruction surgery., Methods: Echocardiographic data from 86 patients who underwent aortic root replacement with or without cusp repair were retrospectively reviewed. An analysis was conducted of the height difference between the level of the ventriculoaortic junction (VAJ) and the central free margin of the cusp, defined as the effective height (EH), and the length from the aortic annulus to the edge of the body of Arantius, defined as the geometric height (GH), in addition to root dimensions (diameter of VAJ, sinus of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction)., Results: All patients presented with < or = mild AR at discharge. After a median follow up duration of 46.4 months, the development of moderate AR or greater was observed in 14 patients. The overall actuarial freedom from moderate AR or greater, and freedom from reoperation at three and five years were 86.2 +/- 4.4% and 81.8 +/- 5.2%, and 94.0 +/- 3.0% and 91.8 +/- 3.6%, respectively. The postoperative EH (7.47 +/- 3.3 mm in > mild AR group, versus 8.81 +/- 2.1 mm in < or = mild AR group, p = 0.049), the incidence of postoperative eccentric jet (57.1% in > mild AR group versus 12.5% in < or = mild AR group, p = 0.0005) and cusp billowing (78.6% in > mild AR group versus 20.8% in < or = mild AR group, p < 0.0001) were significantly correlated with > mild AR in the follow up. There was also correlation between postoperative EH and the severity of recurrent AR at follow up (p = -0.33, p = 0.0019)., Conclusion: Objective information on cusp configuration, such as EH, should play an important role in stabilizing the outcome of valve-sparing surgery.

Aims: It remains difficult to detect subtle left ventricular (LV) myocardial dysfunction in chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) patients with the preserved ejection fraction (EF)., Methods and Results: We studied 36 chronic severe AR patients undergoing surgical correction with the EF of 58 ± 6% (all ≥ 50%). Echocardiography was performed before and 12 ± 8 months after surgical correction. We used two-dimensional speckle-tracking strain imaging to evaluate global radial strain in the inner-half (GRSinner), outer-half (GRSouter), and total (GRStotal) layer from the mid-LV short-axis view. We also evaluated the transmural strain profile in the LV posterior wall by using myocardial tissue Doppler radial strain, and the location of peak strain was determined as the percentage of the distance from the endocardium to the epicardium accounted for by the wall thickness. Fifteen EF-matched normal volunteers were studied for comparison. GRSinner for AR patients was significantly smaller than that for controls (28.9 ± 12.9 vs. 37.1 ± 9.1%, P = 0.032), and the location of peak strain had significantly shifted to the epicardial side compared with that in controls (27.1 ± 14.0-13.2 ± 4.8%, P = 0.001). In contrast, GRStotal and GRSouter were similar for the two groups. After surgical correction, EF increased from 58 ± 6 to 62 ± 7% (P = 0.018), GRSinner from 27.8 ± 12.5 to 37.7 ± 14.6% (P < 0.0001), and the location of peak strain significantly shifted to the endocardial side (26.9 ± 13.9-19.1 ± 11.9%, P = 0.028). However, GRStotal and GRSouter did not change., Conclusion: The LV endocardium side, impaired in chronic AR patients with the preserved EF, improved after surgical correction. Our observations may prove useful for evaluating subtle early changes in such patients.

Background: The objective of this study was to describe a small animal aortic conduit model that could analyze long-term conduit valve (CV) function by echocardiography., Methods and Results: Recipient Wistar rats (200-250g, n=20) underwent aortic leaflet injury of their native aortic valve under echocardiographic control. After 2 weeks, U-shaped decellularized CVs obtained from other rats were implanted onto the abdominal aorta. Implanted CVs were analyzed via pulsed-wave echocardiography at day 0, 4 and 12 weeks. CV stenosis was assessed as systolic flow velocity (post-pre CV)/flow velocity in the ascending aorta. CV regurgitation was assessed as the ratio of the amount of reversed diastolic flow to forward systolic flow in post-pre CV. The endpoint was set at 12 weeks. Three rats died immediately after aortic valve injury and all surviving rats received CV implantation (n=17, 85%). The survival rate after conduit implantation was 100% at 4 weeks and 88% (15/17) at 12 weeks. Regarding the CV function at 0, 4 and 12 weeks, the average observed value of CV stenosis was 3.8±7.9%, 3.1±4.1% and 14±10% (P<0.01), respectively. The average value of CV regurgitation was 0%, 12±27% and 52±43%, respectively (P<0.001)., Conclusions: By using this model, the degeneration of implanted CV could be assessed not only qualitatively, but also quantitatively.

Background: Despite the positive clinical results of valve-sparing aortic root replacement, little is known about the causes of reoperations and the modes of failure., Methods: From October 1999 to June 2010, 101 patients underwent valve-sparing aortic root replacement using the David reimplantation technique. The definition of aortic root repair failure included the following: (1) intraoperative conversion to the Bentall procedure; (2) reoperation performed because of aortic regurgitation; and (3) aortic regurgitation equal to or greater than a moderate degree at the follow-up. Sixteen patients were considered to have repair failure. Three patients required intraoperative conversion to valve replacement, 3 required reoperation within 3 months, and another 8 required reoperation during postoperative follow-up. At initial surgery 5 patients had moderate to severe aortic regurgitation, 6 patients had acute aortic dissections, 3 had Marfan syndrome, 2 had status post Ross operations, 3 had bicuspid aortic valves, and 1 had aortitis. Five patients had undergone cusp repair, including Arantius plication in 3 and plication at the commissure in 2., Results: The causes of early failure in 6 patients included cusp perforation (3), cusp prolapse (3), and severe hemolysis (1). The causes of late failure in 10 patients included cusp prolapse (4), commissure dehiscence (3), torn cusp (2), and cusp retraction (1). Patients had valve replacements at a mean of 23 ± 20.9 months after reimplantation and survived., Conclusions: Causes of early failure after valve-sparing root replacement included technical failure, cusp lesions, and steep learning curve. Late failure was caused by aortic root wall degeneration due to gelatin-resorcin-formalin glue, cusp degeneration, or progression of cusp prolapse., (Copyright © 2011 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The best predictor for postoperative left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of preoperative systolic radial strain rate (Ssr) derived from tissue Doppler echocardiography as a predictor of postoperative LV systolic dysfunction in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation., Methods and Results: In 52 patients (mean age, 58 years; 13 women) with isolated chronic aortic regurgitation, we performed standard and tissue Doppler echocardiography before and after operation, obtained echocardiographic parameters such as LV dimensions and LV ejection fraction, and measured Ssr in 4 walls of the LV. Linear regression analysis determined correlations between preoperative parameters and postoperative LV ejection fraction. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis assessed the optimal cutoff values of parameters that predicted postoperative LV systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <50%). The operation caused significant decreases in LV dimensions and volumes and significant increases in Ssr (1.94+/-0.64 to 2.39+/-0.83 per second; P<0.001) and ejection fraction (53.0+/-8.7 to 59.0+/-8.8%; P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that averaged Ssr was the only independent predictor of postoperative LV systolic dysfunction among the covariates examined (P<0.001). Using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, averaged Ssr yielded the greatest area under the curve among preoperative parameters (0.80) and was indicated to be a good predictor of postoperative LV dysfunction, with 90.9% sensitivity and 73.2% specificity (cutoff value, 1.82 per second)., Conclusions: Measurement of preoperative averaged Ssr is useful in predicting postoperative LV systolic dysfunction and optimizing surgical timing in patients with isolated chronic aortic regurgitation.

Background: Dilatation of the sinotubular junction (STJ) causes aortic regurgitation (AR) in patients with ascending aneurysm. These patients can regain valve competence by simple reduction of the diameter of STJ. Results of this technique were investigated clinically and echocardiographically., Methods: Replacement of the ascending aorta with reduction of the diameter of the STJ to correct AR (mean grade, 2.7 +/- 0.7) was performed in 29 consecutive patients (mean age, 73.2 +/- 6.2). Two required repair of cusp prolapse. All underwent ascending aortic aneurysm replacement. Echocardiographic studies were performed at discharge and during latest clinical follow-up (mean follow-up, 3.8 +/- 2.5 years)., Results: No hospital deaths occurred. The AR grade at discharge was 0.7 +/- 0.5. No valve related-deaths occurred. Actual survival at 8 years was 91% +/- 9%. Failure occurred 4.1 years postoperatively in a patient with bicuspid valve. Three patients had late recurrence of AR that was caused by aortic root dilatation in bicuspid valves in 2. Multivariate analysis showed bicuspid aortic valve was the predictor of late progression of AR. The freedom from more than grade II AR at 8 years was 79.5% +/- 10.7%., Conclusions: Adjustment of the diameter of STJ could treat AR secondary to ascending aortic aneurysm with nearly normal aortic cusps. Midterm results of this procedure were acceptable. Although bicuspid aortic valve is the risk factor for late AR due to dilation of remaining aortic root, this procedure provides satisfactory long-term outcomes among the patients with tricuspid valve.

A 56-year-old man was referred because of severe aortic regurgitation. He had a quadricuspid aortic valve with a small accessory cusp between the right coronary and noncoronary cusps. The ostium of the right coronary artery was deviated toward the accessory cusp commissure. Aortic valve replacement was performed with a bioprosthesis. The resected cusps showed fibrotic thickening with calcification and fenestration.

A 65-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of exertional dyspnea. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography showed a parachute-like structure measuring 20 x 16 mm, which projected into the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and passed through the aortic valve in systole, and prolapsed back into the left ventricular cavity in diastole. Moderate aortic and mitral regurgitation were also observed, as well as LVOT obstruction with a peak gradient of 30 mmHg. There were no other congenital cardiac abnormalities. In addition, real-time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography showed that the parachute-like structure in the LVOT was attached to the anterior mitral leaflet and left ventricular lateral wall by a chorda tendineae-like structure. The diagnosis of accessory mitral valve was based on the echocardiographic characteristics. Surgical treatment was performed because of the presence of accessory mitral valve, moderate aortic and mitral regurgitation, and LVOT obstruction. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient has been asymptomatic during a follow-up period of 24 months. Echocardiographic examination proved to be useful for the detection of accessory mitral valve.

The aim of this study is to evaluate distensibility of the aortic root and function of the aortic cusp after aortic root replacement using valve sparing procedure. Between October 1999 and August 2006, valve sparing aortic root replacements were performed in 39 patients who had annuloaortic ectasia (AAE) and aortic valve regurgitation. Reimplantation type of valve-sparing procedure was performed with a tube graft (n=12) or a Valsalva graft (n=27). Echocardiographic studies were performed six months after the operation comparing Valsalva graft (Group V, n=15), tube graft (Group T, n=5), and normal control (Group C, n=5). Percent changes in radius (PCR) of the aortic root were measured as indices of distensibility. Rapid valve opening velocity (RVOV/HR (mm/s/min)) and rapid valve closing velocity (RVCV/HR (mm/s/min)) of the aortic cusp were analyzed in each group. Root distensibility of sinus in Group T (1.9+/-1.1) was significantly smaller than Group C (7.2+/-1.8) (P=0.003). RVOV/HR in Group T was highest among the three groups (T: 48.2+/-6.2, V: 36.2+/-11.9, C: 33.7+/-9.6). RVCV/HR showed no difference among the three groups (T: 26.1+/-6.7, V: 40.7+/-16.6, C: 28.4+/-16.3). In conclusion, sinus distensibility of the Valsalva graft was well preserved and valve-opening characteristics with the Valsalva graft were identical to normal.

Objectives: Aortic regurgitation associated with Behçet's disease is rare, and prosthetic valve detachment after aortic valve replacement is one of the most serious complications reported. We have investigated the surgical results of valved conduit operation in 8 patients., Methods: Between 1987 and April 1999, 8 patients underwent surgery. There were 7 males and 1 female, and their ages ranged from 33 to 60 years (mean, 48 +/- 10 years). The valved conduit procedure was a modified Bentall operation., Results: One patient died of arrhythmia during the hospital stay. The follow-up period in the other 7 patients ranged from 1 to 138 months after surgery (mean, 74 months). None of these 7 patients died during the follow-up period. Valve detachment needing redo-operation occurred in 1 patient, and he underwent a valved conduit operation again., Conclusions: Valved conduit reconstruction is indicated in patients with aortic regurgitation caused by Behçet's disease, in whom prevention of valve detachment is difficult even by current valve fixation methods.

Background: Behçet's disease involving aortic regurgitation is rare, and prosthetic valve detachment after aortic valve replacement is one of the most serious complications reported. We investigated the surgical results in 10 patients with aortic regurgitation caused by Behçet's disease., Methods: Between 1981 and 1997, 10 patients with aortic regurgitation secondary to Behçet's disease had surgery. There were 8 men and 2 women, and their ages ranged from 33 to 60 years (mean, 46+/-8 years). The surgical procedures for aortic regurgitation were aortic valve replacement in 6 patients and Bentall type operation in 4., Results: No patient died during the hospital stay. The follow-up periods ranged from 11 to 185 months (mean, 87 months). Two patients died during the follow-up period. The acturial survival rate was 89% at 5 years and 67% at 10 years. Prosthetic valve detachment or suture detachment requiring redo operation occurred in 4 patients, 3 of whom had redo operations twice. Four patients had a composite graft replacement, and 1 patient died after the operation. No prosthetic valve detachment was noted in 64% of the patients at 5 years and in 43% at 10 years., Conclusions: The rate of prosthetic valve detachment was 40% (4 of 10 patients), with a higher incidence in patients with Behçet's disease than in those treated during the same period at the same hospital for aortitis caused by other diseases. Surgical techniques for treatment of this condition should be modified to improve the surgical outcome in these patients.

Aortic regurgitation caused by non-specific aortitis is relatively rare, and prosthetic valve detachment after aortic valve replacement has been reported to be one of the most serious complications. The authors investigated the surgical results in patients with aortic regurgitation caused by non-specific aortitis. Between 1978 and 1997, 90 patients with aortic regurgitation secondary to non-specific aortitis underwent surgery. There were 28 males and 62 females. The age of these patients ranged from 19 years to 70 years (mean, 48 years). Sixty-five patients were diagnosed to have Takayasu's arteritis, 10 had Behçet's disease and 15 had aortitis of unknown etiology. The surgical procedures for aortic regurgitation were aortic valve replacement in 62 patients, Bentall-type operation in 27 and remodeling in one. Five patients (5.6%) died during the hospital stay. The follow-up duration ranged from 1 month to 224 months (mean, 98 months). Twenty-one patients died during the follow-up period, and the actuarial survival rate was 83% at 5 years and 68% at 10 years. Prosthetic valve detachment occurred in 12 patients (13.3%). Two patients required a re-aortic valve replacement, eight had a composite graft replacement and two patients underwent a homograft reconstruction. Absence of prosthetic valve detachment was noted in 83% of the patients at 5 years and in 75% at 10 years. The incidence of prosthetic valve detachment was 40% (4/10) in patients with Behçet's disease, 33% (5/15) in aortitis of unknown etiology, 4.6% (3/65) in Takayasu's arteritis and 29% (8/28) in male patients. Surgical techniques for treatment of this condition should be modified for further improvement of the surgical outcome in these patients with Behçet's disease and aortitis of unknown etiology.

Surgical treatment for aortic regurgitation (AR) caused by Behcet's disease is difficult due to the need to manipulate fragile, inflamed tissue. Valve detachment following aortic valve replacement (AVR) and suture detachment are serious postoperative complications. We investigated the surgical results in 11 patients. Between 1981 and July 1999, 11 patients, 9 males and 2 females, with AR caused by Behcet's disease underwent surgery. The age of these patients ranged from 33 to 60 years (mean, 45+/-8 years). The surgical procedures for AR were AVR in six patients and valved conduit operation in five patients. No patient died during the hospital stay. In a follow-up period ranging from 3 to 204 months (mean, 93+/-64 months) two patients died. Prosthetic valve detachment or suture detachment necessitating redo-operation occurred in four patients (36%) who then underwent a valved conduit procedure as a reoperation. Prosthetic valve detachment was higher in patients with AVR than in patients with a valved conduit operation. Valved conduit reconstruction is indicated in patients with AR caused by Behcet's disease in whom prevention of valve detachment is difficult even by current valve fixation methods.

Aortic regurgitation (AR) caused by Takayasu's arteritis is relatively rare. We investigated the surgical results in patients with AR caused by Takayasu's arteritis. Between 1978 and December 1997, 65 patients (5 males, 60 females) with AR secondary to Takayasu's arteritis underwent surgery. The patients' ages ranged from 19 to 70 years (mean, 48 years). Takayasu's arteritis was diagnosed by clinical examination confirmed by intraoperative pathological examination of the aortic wall. The surgical procedures for AR were aortic valve replacement in 45 patients, Bentall-type operation in 19, and remodeling in 1. Four (6.2%) patients died during the hospital stay. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 227 months (mean, 111 months). Eleven patients died during the follow-up period, and the actuarial survival rate was 87% at 5 years and 75% at 10 years. The incidence of prosthetic valve detachment was 4.6% (3/65). Three patients required a composite graft replacement. No prosthetic valve detachment was noted in 96% of the patients at 5 years and in 94% at 10 years. Preoperative steroid administration to treat inflammation and its postoperative use to control inflammation may be important in the treatment of these patients.

Aortic valve replacement with a pulmonary autograft was performed on 241 patients between June 1967 and October 1986 at National Heart Hospital, Guy's Hospital, Middlesex Hospital, Harley Street Clinic, and Italian Hospital in London by one of the authors (D.N.R.). The longest follow-up is 18 years 7 months, and the cumulative total follow-up is 1130 patient-years (pt-yr). The overall 30-day mortality rate is 6.6% (16 patients), with no deaths after 1976, and the late mortality rate is 1.7%/pt-yr (19 patients). The actuarial survival rate is 57.3% +/- 9.6% at 19 years. No anticoagulation has been used and there have been no thromboembolic episodes. The incidence of bacterial endocarditis is 1.2%/pt-yr (14 patients), and its actuarial event-free rate is 74.2% +/- 8.1% at 19 years. Reoperation because of failure of the pulmonary autograft was performed on 36 patients, 27 of whom needed valve replacement. The incidence of pulmonary autograft replacement is 2.5%/pt-yr, and its actuarial event-free rate is 48.5% +/- 13.7% at 19 years. For reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract, 186 aortic homografts, 26 pulmonary homografts, 16 autologous fascia lata valved conduits, 7 autologous pericardial conduits with or without a valve, and 6 xenograft valved Dacron conduits were used. Thirty-one patients were reoperated on, mostly because of degeneration of this material. Pulmonary rather than aortic homografts are now favored for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract Because of its satisfactory long-term result without the need for anticoagulation, as well as its safety as an established surgical procedure, this operation can be recommended to a wider range of patients.

Long-term results in 64 patients who underwent aortic valvuloplasty for aortic regurgitation associated with ventricular septal defect are presented. The average age of the patients was 10.2 years and the average cardiothoracic ratio was 0.57 at the time of operation. The average degree of aortic regurgitation, as classified by Sellers, was 2.7. The type of ventricular septal defect was subpulmonic in 31 patients, perimembranous in 20, and was a total conal defect in five patients. Valvuloplasty was performed at one end of an aortic cusp in 23 patients, at two ends in 33, at three ends in six, and at four ends in two patients. There was one operative death (1.6%). The follow-up period was 447.7 patient-years, and there were no late deaths. The actuarial survival rate was 98.3% at 5, 10, and 15 years. Postoperative cardiac catheterization was performed in 40 patients. Valvuloplasty failure was defined as the presence of a cardiothoracic ratio greater than 0.6, a loud regurgitant murmur (Levine grade 3/6 or greater), moderate or severe aortic regurgitation (Sellers grade 3 or 4), or the necessity of reoperation. There were 17 patients whose valvuloplasty failed. The freedom from valvuloplasty failure was 74.2% at 5 and 10 years and 55.3% at 15 years. Eight patients underwent reoperation because of residual aortic regurgitation, and all survived. The freedom from reoperation was 90.1% at 5 years, 80.5% at 10 years, and 63.7% at 15 years. Multiple regression analysis revealed that older age, a greater cardiothoracic ratio, perimembranous ventricular septal defect, and multiple valvuloplasties were significant contributing factors for residual regurgitation after aortic valvuloplasty.