The surgical experience with annuloaortic ectasia at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Hemodynamically significant aortic insufficiency can result from dilatation of the aortic valve annulus in association with an ascending aortic aneurysm (annuloaortic ectasia). Controversy has centered around the optimal surgical management. This study evaluates the results of total replacement of the aortic valve and ascending thoracic aorta with a valved aortic prosthesis and reimplantation of the coronary arteries in a small series. In 7 patients with a mean preoperative New York Heart Association Classification (NYHAC) of III, there have been no operative or long-term mortalities, and the average upgrade in NYHAC is 1.6. There have been no major complications or technical difficulties. The composite approach to the repair of patients with annuloaortic ectasia is described and advocated.