Intravalvular implantation technique for aortic valve replacement in aortitis syndrome

Background . Paravalvular leakage is one of the most serious complications of aortic valve replacement in patients with aortitis syndrome. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the intravalvular implantation technique in preventing paravalvular leakage with that of the conventional technique. Methods . Since 1982, 14 patients with aortic regurgitation caused by aortitis syndrome have undergone aortic valve replacement at our institute. An intravalvular implantation technique was applied in 7 of the 14 patients. The technique consists of suturing a prosthetic valve to the aortic annulus and sandwiching the leaflets between exogenous felt pledgets and the inflamed aortic annulus. Results . Paravalvular leakage occurred in 3 of 7 patients in the conventionally treated group and in none of 7 in the intravalvular implantation group. Conclusions . The intravalvular implantation technique is effective in preventing paravalvular leakage in patients with aortitis syndrome.