A systematic review and meta-analysis of mechanical vs biological composite aortic root replacement, early and 1-year results

Treatment options for isolated aortic valve insufficiency: a review

Aortic insufficiency (AI) is a valvular disease with increasing prevalence in older patients. The modern era provides numerous options for the management of AI which is explored here. Traditional interventions included aortic valve replacement with either mechanical or bioprosthetic aortic valves. While the former is known for its durability, it has grown out of favor due to the potential complications of anticoagulation. The preference for bioprosthetic valves is thus on the rise, especially with the advancements of transcatheter technology and the use of valve-in-valve therapy. Surgical options are also no longer limited to replacement but include complex techniques such as those required for aortic valve repair, Ozaki neocuspidization, Ross procedure and valve-sparring aortic root repair. Transcatheter options for the management of AI are not commercially available currently; however, preliminary data from ad-hoc trials, showed promising results and potential use of transcatheter technology in a variety of patients with pure AI.

Clinical Outcomes Using Freestyle Valve/Valsalva Graft Composite Conduit for Aortic Root Replacement

BACKGROUND

We review the clinical outcomes with a novel method of aortic root replacement using a self-constructed tissue valve-conduit comprised of a Freestyle subcoronary valve sewn into a Valsalva graft.

METHODS

From 2005 to 2020, 523 patients had aortic root replacement operations using a self-constructed Freestyle Subcoronary-Valsalva graft tissue valve-conduit. Median age was 62 years (IQR 54-70) and 430 (82%) were male patients. Primary outcomes were mortality and the need for reoperation. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for mortality and reoperation.

RESULTS

Urgent procedures comprised 48.37% of the cases and 29.26% were reoperative procedures. Concomitant ascending aorta replacement, hemi-arch replacement, and total arch replacement were required in 348 (67%), 227 (44%), and 40 (8%) patients, respectively. Cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times were 189 minutes (IQR 164-218) and 166 minutes (IQR 145-191). Early mortality was 7.7% (40), five and ten-year survival was 83% and 71% respectively. At last echo follow-up, LVEF, LV end diastolic diameter, degree of AI, and mean aortic valve gradient were significantly improved from baseline, p<0.001. Increasing age, peripheral artery disease, tobacco use, increased preoperative creatinine, and prior aortic valve surgery were risk factors for both mortality and the composite outcome (p<0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In a complex patient population, aortic root replacement using a self-constructed composite tissue valve-conduit comprised of a Freestyle Subcoronary Valve/Valsalva Graft can be performed with excellent operative and 10-year outcomes. Mid-term survival is acceptable and valve durability was outstanding with an exceedingly low incidence for valve reintervention.

Short- and long-term outcomes of aortic root-sparing repair and replacement in acute type A aortic dissection repair

Acute type A aortic dissection is a surgical emergency with a high mortality rate if left untreated. Management of the aortic root in this setting constitutes an intricate decision-making framework, further complicated by the emergent nature of the dissection. There exists much controversy regarding pursuit of the aggressive aortic root replacement versus a conservative root-sparing repair, alongside considerations for valve-sparing root replacement. In this review, we critically appraise the current controversy in the literature considering the fate of the aortic root, discussing the aforementioned root interventions for which provides better outcomes for mortality and risk of re-intervention. Literature search was performed using electronic database through PubMed, Google scholar, and Embase focussing on studies reporting outcomes and re-intervention rates for these approaches. Limited by the heterogeneity in surgical strategy, with most studies being single-centred retrospective experiences, further fuel this ongoing debate. The literature reveals rather contrasting results whilst comparing root-sparing repair, versus the extensive root replacement; whilst some studies report no statistically significant difference, others show one superior over the other. There is greater consensus when considering risk of re-operation, with studies showing higher rates of re-operation in root-sparing group compared to replacement; however, many others show no statistically significant difference. In conclusion, the conflicting outcomes reported in the literature, with their inherent limitations, results in the current inability to reach a definitive answer. There remains support in the current literature for both approaches with much of the decision-making being surgeon-bound with many significant influencing factors on a case-by-case basis.

The evidence in a Bentall procedure with Valsalva graft: is this standard of care?

Background

Biologic valved-conduits avoids the need for anticoagulation and can exploit the excellent hemodynamic performance of stentless valves. Incorporation of the sinuses of Valsalva into the neoaortic root can improve the function and longevity of stentless valves. We report our experience in performing the Bentall procedure with a self-prefabricated composite valved-conduit and review the published experience with the Valsalva graft.

Methods

From Feb 2005 through Sep 2017, 428 patients underwent aortic root replacement utilizing a composite graft constructed from a 27-29-mm Freestyle MS valve (Medtronic) sutured into a 28-30-mm Gelweave Valsalva prosthesis (Sulzer Vascutek, Renfrewshire, Scotland). Data were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Mean age was 58±13 years, with a male predominance (337, 79%). Additional surgical procedures included a mitral valve repair/replacement in 10 patients (2%), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in 114 patients (27%), and aortic arch (hemi or total) replacement in 252 patients (59%). Average cardiopulmonary bypass, cross-clamp, and circulatory arrest times were 210±57, 180±44, and 29±15 min, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 7% (31 patients). Mean echocardiography follow-up was 27.2±29.0 months (range, 1-138 months). Pressure gradients (mean, peak) across the aortic valve on latest echocardiography were 5.59, 10.57 mmHg respectively. Freedom from >2+ aortic insufficiency (AI) at 6 and 9 years was 96%, and 87% respectively. Freedom from aortic valve replacement (AVR) at 6 and 9 years was 99%, and 95% respectively. To date, 4 (1%) patients required an additional aortic valve intervention secondary to structural valve degeneration.

Conclusions

Use of the Valsalva graft combined with the Freestyle valve for Bentall procedures is associated with favorable results. Clinical outcomes are excellent and in longitudinal follow-up, valve-related complications are minimal.