Mid-Term Results of Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement in Patients With Expanded Indications

Virtual Reality Computed Tomography Evaluation - Anatomy and Clinical Implications for Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional aortic root evaluation using virtual reality (VR) techniques for valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) preparation has not yet been implemented, so we demonstrated VR computed tomography (VR-CT) and assessed its utility for VSARR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled 72 patients who underwent multidetector CT before elective VSARR for annuloaortic ectasia with tricuspid aortic valve. The geometries of their aortic roots were measured with a VR-CT workstation. The mean values of geometric height (GH), free margin length (FML), and commissural height (CH) were 17.2±2.4 mm, 36.0±5.2 mm, and 24.0±4.3 mm, respectively. The right coronary/noncoronary CH was significantly greater than the left coronary/right coronary and left coronary/noncoronary CH. The left coronary cusp had the shortest FML, intercommissural distances (ICD), and smallest central angle. Although the right coronary cusp had the largest values for FML, ICD, and central angle, the right coronary cusp had the lowest GH and EH. The VR-CT measurements strongly correlated with intraoperative alternatives, especially with mean GH (R2=0.75) and left coronary/noncoronary CH (R2=0.79). Furthermore, mean GH was observed to be significantly different among the selected graft size groups; therefore, the preoperative mean GH could play a significant role in graft sizing.

CONCLUSIONS

VR-CT evaluation allows a thorough understanding of aortic root anatomy, which could facilitate VSAAR.

Long-term Results of Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement and Aortic Cusp Repair

BACKGROUND

Long-term results of valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSRR) and aortic cusp repair for aortic regurgitation are unclear.

METHODS

VSRR by reimplantation was performed in 363 patients. Tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) and bicuspid aortic valve were found in 285 and 71 patients, respectively.

RESULTS

Aortic cusp repair was performed in 268 patients. Of patients with TAV 129 had central plication of the Arantius node, 36 had free margin resuspension, and 71 had reinforcement. Mean follow-up was 71.4 months. Among TAV patients freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 10 and 15 years was 85.1% and 78.3%, respectively. Freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 10 years was lower in patients with cusp prolapse than without (77.4% vs 93.2%, P = .007). The overall freedom from more than mild aortic regurgitation at 10 and 15 years was 72.4% and 64.0%, respectively. It was also significantly greater in patients without cusp prolapse (78.4% vs 67.7%, P = .02). As for the cusp repair technique the freedom from aortic valve reoperation at 10 years was significantly better in patients who underwent only resuspension or reinforcement techniques compared with patients who underwent only central plication technique (100% vs 72.8%, P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term results of VSRR with aortic cusp repair were satisfactory. The resuspension technique appears to be useful for repairing aortic cusp prolapse in patients with TAV.

Aortic Root Surgery in Adults: An Unsolved Problem

Nowadays, despite the rapid advancements in interventional cardiology, open surgery still deals with aortic root diseases, to assure the best "ad hoc" treatment. In case of middle-aged adult patients, the optimal operation still represents a matter of debate. A review of the last 10-year literature was conducted, focusing on patients below 65 to 70 years of age. Because of the small sample and the heterogeneity of the papers, no metanalysis was possible. Bentall-de Bono procedure, valve sparing, and Ross operations are the surgical options currently available. The main issues in the Bentall - de Bono operation are lifelong anticoagulation therapy and cavitation in case of mechanical prosthesis implantation and structural valve degeneration in case of biological Bentall. As transcatheter procedures are currently performed as valve in valve, biological prosthesis may be preferable, if the diameter may prevent postoperative high gradients. Conservative techniques, such as remodeling and reimplantation, preferred in the young, guarantee physiologic aortic root dynamics and impose surgical analysis of the aortic root structures to get a durable result. The Ross operation, which shows excellent performance, involves autologous pulmonary valve implantation and is performed only in experienced and high-volume centers. Due to its technical difficulty, it requires a steep learning curve and presents some limitations in specific aortic valve diseases. All three have advantages and downsides, and no ideal solution has still been reported.

Aortic cusp abnormalities in patients with trileaflet aortic valve and root aneurysm

BACKGROUND

The frequency of concomitant cusp pathology in aortic root aneurysm with or without aortic regurgitation is not well known, and the sensitivity and specificity of two-dimensional trans-oesophageal echocardiography (2D TEE) in its detection has not yet been specified.

OBJECTIVES

We analysed the type and frequency of concomitant cusp alterations in root aneurysm referred for surgery. Sensitivity and specificity of 2D TEE in detecting these alterations were determined.

METHODS

In 582 patients (age 56.8±15.4 years, 453 male) with trileaflet aortic valves undergoing root replacement for regurgitation (n=347) or aneurysm (n=235), details of valve morphology were analysed. In a subcohort (n=281), intraoperative TEEs were analysed retrospectively and correlated with the intraoperative findings.

RESULTS

Any cusp pathology was present in 90.9% (prolapse: n=473; retraction: n=30; calcification: n=14; fenestration: n=12), morphologically normal cusps were seen in only 52 patients (8.93%). Valve-sparing surgery was performed in 525 (90.2%) instances, composite replacement in 57 (9.8%). Preoperative TEE correctly identified any postroot repair prolapse in 70.6% and any retraction in 85%. The sensitivity of TEE in detecting any prolapse was 68.6% (specificity of 79.5%). The sensitivity was highest for the right cusp and intermediate for the non-coronary.

CONCLUSIONS

Cusp prolapse is frequent in root aneurysm and trileaflet aortic valves. Prolapse is underdiagnosed by 2D TEE in many cases because pre-existent stretching of cusp tissue is masked by the geometric effects of root dilatation.

Valve-sparing Root Reimplantation In Patients With Left Ventricular Dilation

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between left ventricular (LV) dilation and outcomes following valve-sparing root reimplantation.

METHODS

Patients with an indexed left ventricular internal diameter during systole (iLVIDS) of ≥ 2.0 cm/m2 were categorized as having LV dilation. Outcomes were post-operative aortic insufficiency (AI), re-intervention, and all-cause mortality. The cumulative incidence of each outcome was computed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Adjusted comparisons between strata were performed for each outcome using a Cox proportional-hazards model. Where possible, the competing risk of death was accounted for. Multilevel mixed-effects ordered logistic regression was performed for AI grade at follow-up.

RESULTS

There were 295 patients of whom 52 had LV dilation. Operative outcomes were excellent; there were no significant differences between groups. Patients with LV dilation demonstrated significant improvement in iLVIDS overtime. There was no association between LV dilation and post-operative AI grade >2 (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.21 to 3.67, p = 0.89) or odds of increased AI grade overtime (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.93, p = 0.57). There were no re-interventions among those with LV dilation. Adjusted mortality was significantly higher among those with LV dilation (HR 5.56, 95% CI 1.56 to 19.9), however, deaths were unrelated to aortic valve dilation.

CONCLUSIONS

Left ventricular dilation is not associated with poorer operative outcomes, post-operative AI, or re-intervention. It is associated with increased risk of mortality, though not from valvular dysfunction. LV dilation should not deter VSRR when otherwise indicated.

Valve-sparing aortic root replacement after type A aortic dissection repairs

OBJECTIVE

Aortic root reoperation after aortic dissection repair sometimes requires aortic root replacement. A valve-preserving technique should be applied when the aortic cusp is normal. Valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction using the reimplantation technique resolves aortic valve regurgitation, root dilatation, and pseudoaneurysm in the proximal anastomosis. Our experience in aortic root reoperation is presented.

METHODS

From January 2000 to March 2019, 26 patients underwent reoperative valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction using the reimplantation technique. The time from the initial operation to reoperation was 69.3 ± 51.6 months. Aortic root reoperation was required for a fragile wall at the previous proximal anastomosis or aortic root dilatation. We aimed to stabilize the aortic root without valve regurgitation. The native aortic cusp was aggressively preserved when nearly normal. Indications included root dilatation (n = 13), pseudoaneurysm of the previous proximal anastomosis (n = 11), and aortic valve regurgitation (n = 4).

RESULTS

There was no early postoperative mortality. Follow-up was 49 ± 47 months (range 4-161 months). The 3, 5, and 10-year survival was 88.9% ± 7.4%, 88.9% ± 7.4%, and 77.8% ± 12.2%, respectively. Freedom from recurrence of a greater than moderate degree of aortic valve regurgitation at 3, 5, and 10 years was 86.5% ± 8.9%, 86.5% ± 8.9%, and 86.5% ± 8.9%, respectively. One patient underwent aortic valve replacement for recurrent aortic valve regurgitation 15 months after the valve-sparing reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Midterm outcomes of reoperative valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction using the reimplantation technique and postoperative aortic valve performance were satisfactory.

Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by sinus of Valsalva aneurysm

Right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction caused by sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare observation. We describe a successful case of valve-sparing root replacement using reimplantation technique for RVOT obstruction by a large right coronary sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in a 76-year-old man. In the pathological examination, the elastic fibers of the medial layer were defective not only in the wall of the aneurysmal Valsalva sinus but also in the remaining two sinus walls. Our experience illustrated that valve-sparing root replacement can be an effective procedure in such a case.

Long-term experience with valve-sparing root reimplantation surgery in tricuspid aortic valve

Objective

To analyze our long-term experience with valve-sparing reimplantation technique in treating aortic root aneurysm, aortic regurgitation, and aortic dissection in patients with tricuspid aortic valve.

Methods

Between March 1998 and October 2018, 303 consecutive patients underwent valve-sparing reimplantation in our institution. The mean age of this cohort was 52.9 ± 15 years. Time to event analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk of death, reoperation, and aortic regurgitation (AR) recurrence were analyzed using the cox-regression method.

Results

In-hospital mortality was 1% (n = 3) of which two were admitted for acute aortic dissection. Median follow-up was 5.81 years ([IQR]: 2.8-10 years). Thirty-nine patients (14.4%) died during follow-up. At 5 and 10 years, overall survival was 92 ± 2%and 75 ± 4.9%, respectively. Seventeen patients required late aortic valve reoperation. Freedom from valve reoperation was 95 ± 2% and 90 ± 3%. Freedom from AR > 2+ and AR > 1+ at 10 years was 91 ± 4% and 71.5 ± 4.6%, respectively. Significant multivariate predictors of death included age, New York Heart Association dyspnea class (NYHA), type A acute dissection (TAAD), and preoperative left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD). Significant multivariate predictors of AR recurrence included indication for surgery, previous cardiac surgery, and presence of preoperative AR. Freedom from events like major bleeding, thromboembolic events, and infective endocarditis at 10 years were 97%, 98%, and 96%, respectively.

Conclusions

Aortic valve-sparing with the reimplantation technique has been performed for over two decades in our institution, and the results in patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) are excellent in terms of survival and freedom from valve-related adverse outcomes including valve reoperation. These results continue supporting the use of valve sparing root replacement using the reimplantation technique (VSRR) in patients with aortic aneurysm, irrespective of whether they have preoperative AR or not. VSRR is safe, durable, and reproducible, but further follow-up, well into the second decade is still necessary.

Mid-term outcomes of valve-sparing root reimplantation with leaflet repair

OBJECTIVES

Valve repair for aortic insufficiency (AI) requires a tailored surgical approach determined by the leaflet and aortic disease. In this study, we used a repair-oriented system for the classification of AI, and we elucidated long-term outcomes of aortic root reimplantation with this classification system.

METHODS

From 1999 to 2018, a total of 197 patients underwent elective reimplantation (mean age: 52.7 ± 17.7 years; 80% male). The aortic valve was tricuspid in 143 patients, bicuspid in 51 patients and quadricuspid in 3 patients. A total of 93 patients had type I AI (aortic dilatation), 57 patients had type II AI (cusp prolapse) and 47 patients had type III AI (restrictive). In total, 104 of the 264 patients (39%) had more than 1 identified mechanism.

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality was 0.5% (1/197). Mid-term follow-up (mean follow-up duration: 5.5 years) revealed a late mortality rate of 4.2% (9/197). Aortic valve reoperation was performed on 16 patients (8.0%). Rates of freedom from aortic valve replacement and freedom from aortic valve-related events at 10 years of follow-up were 87.0 ± 4.0% and 60.6 ± 6.0%, respectively; patients with type Ib AI (98.3 ± 1.7%; 80.7 ± 7.5%) had better outcomes than patients with type III AI (59.6 ± 15.6%; 42.2 ± 13.1%, P = 0.01). In patients with types II and III AI who had bicuspid aortic valves, rates of freedom from aortic valve-related events at 5 years of follow-up were 95.2 ± 4.7% and 71.7 ± 9.1%, respectively (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

This repair-oriented system for classifying AI could help to predict the durable aortic valve repair techniques. Patient selection according to the classification is particularly important for long-term durability.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

B190050.

Long-term outcomes and predictors of recurrent aortic regurgitation after aortic valve-sparing and reconstructive cusp surgery: a single centre experience

Background

Aortic valve sparing surgery (AVS), in combination with aortic cusp repair (ACR), still raises many questions about the increased surgical complexity and applicability for patients with pure aortic valve regurgitation (AR). The aim of this study was to investigate our long-term outcomes and predictors of recurrent AR (> 2+) after AVS and reconstructive cusp surgery.

Methods

We reviewed data of 81 patients who underwent AVS (a reimplantation technique) with concomitant ACR for AR and or dilatation of the aortic root at our institution during the period from April 2004 to October 2016. On preoperative echocardiography, the majority of the patients, 70 (86.4%) presented with severe AR grade (> 3+) and 28 (34.5%) of the patients had the bicuspid phenotype. Time to event analysis (long-term survival, freedom from reoperation, and recurrence of AR > 2+) was performed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate Cox regression risk analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of recurrent AR (> 2+). The mean follow-up was 5.3 ± 3.3 years and 100% complete.

Results

The in-hospital (30-day) mortality rate after elective surgery was 1.2%. The overall actuarial survival rates were 92.9 ± 3.1% and 90.4 ± 3.9% at five and 10 years, respectively. Actuarial freedom from recurrent AR (> 2+) was 83.7 ± 4.5% within the cohort at five and 10 years. The cumulative freedom from all causes of cardiac reoperation was 94.2 ± 2.8% within the cohort at 10 years. Neither bleeding nor thromboembolic or permanent neurologic events were reported during follow-up. By multivariate analysis, independent predictors of reccurent AR (> 2+) were an effective height lower than 9 mm (p= 0.02) and intraoperative residual mild AR (p= 0.0001).

Conclusions

AVS with ACR, combined in a systematic fashion, is a safe and reproducible option with low risk of long-term valve related events and normal life expectancy for patients with pure aortic regurgitation.

The competent aortic valve and effective height, not lower than 9 mm intraoperatively, are mandatory to achieve long-lasting AV competency.

Mid-term outcomes of simultaneous mitral valve repair in patients with miral regurgitation and concomitant annulo-aortic ectasia

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the mid-term outcomes of simultaneous mitral valve repair in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and concomitant annulo-aortic ectasia.

METHODS

The study included 26 patients with MR and annulo-aortic ectasia [mean age 46.0 ± 19.9 (10-86) years] who underwent simultaneous mitral valve repair between January 2007 and March 2018. Of these 26 patients, 11 (42.3%) were diagnosed with Marfan syndrome and 10 (38.5%) with Barlow's disease. All patients underwent complete ring annuloplasty; a semi-rigid ring was used in 14 (53.8%) and a semi-flexible ring (anterior-flexible) in 12 patients (46.2%). All patients underwent valve-sparing root replacement using the reimplantation technique.

RESULTS

The overall 3-year survival rate was 95.7 ± 4.3%. The 3-year freedom from > moderate MR rate was 94.7 ± 5.1%, and the 3-year freedom from > moderate aortic regurgitation (AR) rate was 86.7 ± 7.3%. The 3-year freedom from reoperation rate was 100%. The 3-year freedom from > moderate MR rate was 100% in the semi-rigid ring group and 85.7 ± 13.2% in the semi-flexible ring group (log-rank test, p = 0.5371). The 3-year freedom from > moderate AR rate was 100% in the semi-rigid ring group and 72.9 ± 16.5% in the semi-flexible ring group (log-rank test, p = 0.0815).

CONCLUSIONS

Simultaneous mitral valve repair in patients with MR and concomitant annulo-aortic ectasia showed favorable mid-term outcomes.

Valve-Sparing Root Replacement in Elderly Patients With Annuloaortic Ectasia

BACKGROUND

We report early and midterm outcomes of elderly patients who underwent valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) compared with younger patients and those with Bentall procedure.

METHODS

From October 1999 to October 2017, 73 patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age who underwent VSRR procedure were assigned as group S. Two hundred thirty-two VSRR patients who were between 15 and 64 years of age were assigned as group Y. Forty-five patients greater than or equal to 65 years of age who underwent Bentall procedure were assigned as group R. Preoperative grades of aortic regurgitation were 3.4 of 4 in group S, 3.1 of 4 in group Y, and 3.3 of 4 in group R (p = 0.07).

RESULTS

Hospital mortality was found in 1 (1.4%) patient in group S, 3 (6.7%) in group R, and 2 (0.9%) in group Y. Postoperative survival at 5 years was 88.5% in group S, 98.7% in group Y, and 82.4% in group R (p < 0.01). Freedom from more than mild aortic regurgitation at 5 years was 81.0% in group S and 85.4% in group Y. Follow-up echocardiography disclosed an effective aortic valve orifice area of 1.76 cm² in group R, 2.40 cm² in group Y, and 2.41 cm² in group S (p < 0.01), and peak pressure gradient across the aortic valve was 17.7 mm Hg in group R, 13.6 mm Hg in group Y, and 10.8 mm Hg in group S (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Similar early and late outcomes were achieved in elder VSRR patients compared with younger patients. A better postoperative valve performance was demonstrated in VSRR patients than patients undergoing valve-replacement.

Which technique of cusp repair is durable in reimplantation procedure?

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to ascertain the durability of cusp repair techniques used in reimplantation procedures.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2015, 249 patients (mean age, 49 ± 17 years) with aortic insufficiency underwent the reimplantation procedure. The pathology was acute aortic dissection in 24 and non-dissection in 225 patients. Preoperative aortic regurgitation (AR) was absent in 9, 1+ in 19, 2+ in 20, 3+ in 71 and 4+ in 120 patients. The mean aortic root and ascending aortic diameters were 47 ± 9 mm and 38 ± 7 mm, respectively. The following techniques of cusp repair were used: none (83), central plication (130), free margin reinforcement (57) and patch repair (19). Annual echocardiography was performed. Freedom from moderate aortic insufficiency and aortic valve reoperation were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors influencing the freedom from moderate or severe AR were calculated by proportional hazard analysis.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up period was 56  ±  44 months. Freedom from moderate or severe AR was 82%±3% and 77% ± 4% at 5 and 8 years, respectively, whereas freedom from aortic valve reoperation was 93%±8% and 87% ± 3% at 5 and 8 years, respectively. Recurrent AR and infection were causes of reoperation in 13 and 3 patients, respectively. Preoperative cusp prolapse, technique of free margin reinforcement used and patch repair were significant factors for recurrent AR by proportional hazard analysis. Central plication was not a significant factor for recurrent AR.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative cusp prolapse was a risk factor, whereas central plication was not a risk factor for recurrent AR. Free margin reinforcement had a positive effect, whereas patch repair had a negative effect on aortic valve durability.

Aortitis as a Rare Cause of Aortic Aneurysm and Valve Regurgitation: Is Repair Precluded?

Aortitis is an infrequent cause of aortic root dilatation and aortic valve regurgitation. Valve-sparing procedures have been proposed, but there is not clear evidence of which is the treatment of choice. We report the case of a 38-year-old pregnant lady with a diagnosis of idiopathic aortitis associated with aortic root aneurysm and severe aortic valve regurgitation.

Evolution of surgical therapy for Stanford acute type A aortic dissection

Acute type A aortic dissection (AcA-AoD) is a surgical emergency associated with very high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the early outcome of emergency surgical repair has not improved substantially over the last 20 years. Many of the same debates occur repeatedly regarding operative extent and optimal conduct of the operation. The question remains: are patients suffering from too large an operation or too small? The pendulum favoring routine aortic valve resuspension, when feasible, has swung towards frequent aortic root replacement. This already aggressive approach is now being challenged with the even more extensive valve-sparing aortic root replacement (V-SARR) in selected patients. Distally, open replacement of most of the transverse arch is best in most patients. The need for late aortic re-intervention has not been shown to be affected by more extensive distal operative procedures, but the contemporary enthusiasm for a distal frozen elephant trunk (FET) only seems to build. It must be remembered that the first and foremost goal of the operation is to have an operative survivor; additional measures to reduce late morbidity are secondary aspirations. With increasing experience, true contraindications to emergency surgical operation have dwindled, but patients with advanced age, multiple comorbidities, and major neurological deficits do not fare well. The endovascular revolution, moreover, has spawned innovative options for modern practice, including ascending stent graft and adaptations of the old flap fenestration technique. Despite the increasingly complex operations and ever expanding therapies, this life-threatening disease remains a stubborn challenge for all cardiovascular surgeons. Development of specialized thoracic aortic teams and regionalization of care for patients with AcA-AoD offers the most promise to improve overall results.

Partial aortic root remodeling for root reconstruction in patients with acute type A dissection

In the present study, we reported our experience with partial aortic root remodeling for root reconstruction in patients with acute type A dissection, which involves in non-coronary sinus and/or the right coronary sinus with just one trimmed Dacron graft. Between February 2001 and May 2010, we performed partial aortic root remodeling in 40 patients, who underwent emergency surgical intervention. The dissected sinuses were excised leaving a 3-5 mm rim of the aortic wall from the attached aortic valve cusps. A short piece (4-5 cm) of collagen coated woven polyester vascular prosthesis was trimmed with one or two “tongues” to reconstruct the non-coronary sinus and/or the right coronary sinus, but without using separated patches. Additional procedures were including hemi-arch replacement in 11 patients, and total arch replacement plus stent-elephant trunk in 20 patients. The mean follow-up time was 36.4±3.6 months. In-hospital mortality was only 5.0% (2/40); furthermore, 3 (8.6%) patients underwent re-operation of the aortic valve and 2 (5.7%) patients died during follow-up. At the end of follow-up, trivial or no aortic regurgitation was found in 33 patients, but mild aortic regurgitation was found in 2 patients. Our data suggest that the early and mid-term results of partial aortic root remodeling were favorable, and it restored valve durability and function. Thus, the use of technique for root reconstruction in patients with acute type A dissection should be vigorously encouraged.