First clinical results with the new sinus prosthesis used for valve-sparing aortic root replacement.

OBJECTIVES

Sinuses of Valsalva are important in assuring the physiological function of the aortic valve. This study evaluates short-term clinical results of the reimplantation technique for aortic valve-sparing root replacement using a new prosthesis with three separate sinuses of Valsalva (sinus prosthesis).

METHODS

Between February 2009 and February 2011, a total of 23 patients (20 m/3 f; mean age 52 ± 14.8 years; range 24-70 years) with aortic root aneurysm underwent aortic valve-sparing procedures according to the David reimplantation technique using the new sinus prosthesis. Eighteen patients had tricuspid and five patients bicuspid aortic valves. All patients received clinical as well as echocardiographic examinations postoperatively (mean 13 ± 9.3 months; 0.3-28 months).

RESULTS

There was no death and no reoperation of the aortic valve. At latest follow-up, most patients were in New York Heart Association class I (n = 22; 95.7%). In 95.7% aortic valve regurgitation (AR) was 0 or 1+; one patient had AR 2+. Pressure gradients were between the normal range (mean pressure gradient 4.7 ± 1.9 mmHg). Echocardiographic images demonstrate physiological aortic root dimensions and configuration with three separate sinuses of Valsalva without systolic contact of leaflets to the wall.

CONCLUSIONS

The new sinus prosthesis provides near normal root geometry and hemodynamics in valve-sparing aortic root replacement using the reimplantation technique, applicable for tricuspid and also bicuspid aortic valves.