Bicuspid-aortic valve surgery: repair or replace?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The surgical management of the bicuspid-aortic valve along with associated aortic disease remains a challenge. On the basis of recent literature as well as on our own experience, we offer several recommendations for the most appropriate surgical management of the patients with bicuspid-aortic valve disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

In 2006, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association published guidelines in order to define the standard of care for the management of patients with bicuspid-aortic valve; however, these are consensus-based, mainly from observational studies, and not all surgeons accept these recommendations.

SUMMARY

Surgery for bicuspid-aortic valve and associated aortic disease should be 'custom-made' for each patient and may require complex decision-making.