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Isobe S, Katayama Y, Ozawa T, Fujii T. Intracardiac Three-Dimensional Image as Surgical Decision-Making Tool of Congenital Heart Disease. Pediatr Cardiol 2024; 45:351-360. [PMID: 38017199 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03349-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical reproducibility of a preoperative intracardiac 3D image (IC image) created using computed tomography, and to investigate its usefulness as a surgical decision-making tool. Between 2012 and 2022, ventricular septal defect (VSD) patients, and double outlet right ventricle (DORV) or transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with pulmonary stenosis (PS) patients who underwent cardiac surgery and had preoperative computed tomography were enrolled. SYNAPSE VINCENT® (Fujifilm) was used to create an IC image which was analyzed retrospectively. In 14 VSD patients, the diagnostic consistency rate in the Soto classification with intraoperative findings was 100% (14/14) for IC image versus 64% (9/14) for transthoracic echocardiography (P = 0.04). The defect size showed a higher correlation coefficient with IC image (0.837, P = 0.001) than with transthoracic echocardiography (0.567, P = 0.034). In 11 DORV/TGA with PS patients, the diagnostic consistency rate in the Lev classification was 100% (9/9) for IC image versus 77% (7/9) for transthoracic echocardiography (P = 0.47). The secondary interventricular foramen (SVF)/left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) ratio by IC image was significantly smaller in the biventricular-repair group (median 0.71, IQR 0.67-1.06) than in the univentricular-repair group (median 1.79, IQR 1.53-2.42) (P = 0.006). An IC image is useful as a surgical decision-making tool for simple VSDs and complex congenital heart diseases such as DORV or TGA with pulmonary stenosis. The SVF/LVOT ratio determined from the IC image may be a useful indicator for avoiding LVOT obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Isobe
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toho University Omori Medical Center, 6-11 Omori-Nishi Ota-Ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Yuzo Katayama
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toho University Omori Medical Center, 6-11 Omori-Nishi Ota-Ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan.
| | - Tsukasa Ozawa
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toho University Omori Medical Center, 6-11 Omori-Nishi Ota-Ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Takeshiro Fujii
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Toho University Omori Medical Center, 6-11 Omori-Nishi Ota-Ku, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
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Irace FG, Chirichilli I, De Paulis R. Reply from authors: Leave well enough alone. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023; 166:e391-e392. [PMID: 37245135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Giosuè Irace
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Unicamillus University, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Chirichilli
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Unicamillus University, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento Cardio-Toraco-Vascolare, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Paulis
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Unicamillus University, Rome, Italy
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Aortic root anatomy after aortic valve reimplantation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023; 165:1335-1342.e2. [PMID: 33985805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2021.03.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During the last decade, special concerns have been raised about the anatomic relationships among the sinotubular junction, ventricular-aortic junction, and virtual basal ring to improve the results of root reconstruction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vivo anatomy of the aortic root after reimplantation with the Valsalva graft and the anatomic relationship between its components. METHODS We analyzed 10 consecutive patients with tricuspid aortic valves who underwent reimplantation with the Valsalva graft between September and December 2019. Surgical clips were applied as markers at the level of proximal annular knots and at the distal reimplanted commissures on the neo-sinotubular junction. Electrocardiogram-gated computed tomography scan of the aortic root was performed. Coordinates of the markers were exported on a 3-dimensional modeling software, and the distances between the virtual basal ring and the Dacron graft basal landmarks were measured. RESULTS The mean heights of Dacron graft basal landmarks from virtual basal ring were right-left commissure 7.1 ± 5.1 mm; right sinus 4.7 ± 4.1 mm; right-noncoronary commissure 2.8 ± 2.2 mm; noncoronary sinus 1.4 ± 1.6 mm; left-noncoronary commissure 2.2 ± 2.3 mm; and left sinus 2.0 ± 0.9 mm. The mean planar distances of basal Dacron graft landmarks from virtual basal ring (thickness) were right-left commissure 5.3 ± 3.1 mm; right sinus 2.8 ± 1.4 mm; right-noncoronary commissure 2.2 ± 1.5 mm; noncoronary sinus 1.5 ± 1.5 mm; left-noncoronary commissure 1.3 ± 1.0 mm; and left sinus 3.4 ± 2.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS After reimplantation, despite a complete dissection of the root, slight asymmetry of graft proximal seating exists. The inner annuloplasty is on the virtual basal ring, and the proximal edge of the Dacron graft is on the ventricular-aortic junction at a slightly different thickness and height along the annular circumference. At the level of the right sinus and left/right commissure, the Dacron graft is higher than the virtual basal ring and the relative wall thickness is increased. The annular stabilization is unaffected.
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Sassis L, Kefala-Karli P, Cucchi I, Kouremenos I, Demosthenous M, Diplaris K. Valve Repair in Aortic Insufficiency: A State-of-the-art Review. Curr Cardiol Rev 2023; 19:e270422204131. [PMID: 35490315 PMCID: PMC10201877 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x18666220427120235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aortic valve insufficiency (AI) describes the pathology of blood leaking through the aortic valve to the left ventricle during diastole and is classified as mild, moderate or severe according to the volume of regurgitating blood. Intervention is required in severe AI when the patient is symptomatic or when the left ventricular function is impaired. Aortic valve replacement has been considered the gold standard for decades for these patients, but several repair techniques have recently emerged that offer exceptional stability and long-term outcomes. The appropriate method of repair is selected based on the mechanism of AI and each patient's anatomic variations. This review aims to describe different pathologies of AI based on its anatomy, along with the different surgical techniques of aortic repair and their reported results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irene Cucchi
- University of Nicosia, School of Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Mokashi SA, Rosinski BF, Desai MY, Griffin BP, Hammer DF, Kalahasti V, Johnston DR, Rajeswaran J, Roselli EE, Blackstone EH, Svensson LG. Aortic root replacement with bicuspid valve reimplantation: Are outcomes and valve durability comparable to those of tricuspid valve reimplantation? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2022; 163:51-63.e5. [PMID: 32684389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.02.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess intermediate-term outcomes of aortic root replacement with valve-sparing reimplantation of bicuspid aortic valves (BAV), compared with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV). METHODS From January 2002 to July 2017, 92 adults underwent aortic root replacement with BAV reimplantation and 515 with TAV reimplantation at the Cleveland Clinic. Balancing-score matching based on 28 preoperative variables yielded 71 well-matched BAV and TAV pairs (77% of possible pairs) for comparison of postoperative mortality and morbidity, longitudinal echocardiogram data, aortic valve reoperation, and survival. RESULTS In the BAV group, 1 hospital death occurred (1.1%); mortality among all reimplantations was 0.2%. Among matched patients, procedural morbidity was low and similar between BAV and TAV groups (1 stroke in TAV group; renal failure requiring dialysis, 1 patient each; red cell transfusion, 25% each). Five-year results: Severe aortic regurgitation was present in 7.4% of the BAV group and 2.9% of the TAV group (P = .7); 39% of BAV and 65% of TAV patients had none. Higher mean gradients (10 vs 7.4 mm Hg; P = .001) and left ventricular mass index (111 vs 101 g/m2; P = .5) were present in BAV patients. Freedom from aortic valve reoperation was 94% in the BAV group and 98% in the TAV group (P = .10), and survival was 100% and 95%, respectively (P = .07). CONCLUSIONS Both BAV and TAV reimplantations can be performed with equal safety and good midterm outcomes; however, the constellation of higher gradients, less ventricular reverse remodeling, and more aortic valve reoperations with BAV reimplantations raises concerns requiring continued long-term surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyog A Mokashi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Brad F Rosinski
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Milind Y Desai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; The Aorta Center, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Brian P Griffin
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; The Aorta Center, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Donald F Hammer
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; The Aorta Center, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Vidyasagar Kalahasti
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Douglas R Johnston
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; The Aorta Center, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Jeevanantham Rajeswaran
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Eric E Roselli
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; The Aorta Center, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Eugene H Blackstone
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; The Aorta Center, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lars G Svensson
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; The Aorta Center, Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Chirichilli I, Irace FG, Salica A, D'Aleo S, Guerrieri Wolf L, Garufi L, De Paulis R. Root Reimplantation and Aortic Annuloplasty With External Ring in Bicuspid Aortic Valve: An Anatomical Comparison. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2021; 34:844-851. [PMID: 34216751 DOI: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2021.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Aortic annuloplasty has demonstrated to be a protective factor in valve-sparing root replacement and aortic valve repair. Both reimplantation for aortic root aneurysms and external ring annuloplasty for isolated aortic regurgitation have demonstrated good long-term results. The aim of this anatomical study is to compare aortic reimplantation with Valsalva graft with aortic external ring annuloplasty in bicuspid aortic valves, analyzing their morphological features with CT scan. We selected 56 patients with bicuspid aortic valve who underwent reimplantation procedure with Valsalva graft or external ring annuloplasty; after propensity-matching, 2 homogeneous groups of 10 patients each were obtained. Through multiplanar ECG-gated CT-Scan reconstructions, pre- and postoperative, aortic annular, and valve geometrical characteristics were compared (diameters, perimeter, area and ellipticity index for the annulus; effective height, coaptation length and commissural height for the valve). Aortic root volume was also analyzed. Postoperative comparison of the two groups showed similar geometric features of the aortic annulus in terms of major and minor diameters, perimeter, area and ellipticity index. Analysis of valve's parameters showed similar results in terms of effective height and coaptation length (respectively 10.9 ± 2.1 mm and 7.5 ± 1.9 mm in External Ring group and 10.1 ± 2.0 mm and 7.6 ± 1.6 mm in the Reimplantation group). Both techniques achieve an efficient annuloplasty with similar anatomical results on bicuspid the aortic valves. The stability of these results needs to be confirmed by long-term clinical and echocardiographic follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Chirichilli
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Rome, Italy; Department of Cardiac Surgery and Heart Transplantation, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Giosuè Irace
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Rome, Italy; Department of General and Specialized Surgery "Paride Stefanini", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Salica
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Luigi Garufi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Rome, Italy; Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Paulis
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Rome, Italy; Chair of Cardiac Surgery, UniCamillus, International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy.
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Yamamoto T, Endo D, Yamaoka H, Matsushita S, Kajimoto K, Asai T, Amano A. A new technique that prevents paravalvular leakage after aortic valve replacement using a rapid-deployment valve system. J Card Surg 2021; 36:2225-2232. [PMID: 33783050 DOI: 10.1111/jocs.15513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report our 1-year single-center experience of a new technique of aortic valve replacement using a rapid-deployment valve (RD-AVR) to avoid postoperative complications. We also report the unexpected pitfalls and handling techniques that we have seen in past cases. METHODS We performed aortic valve replacement on 38 patients between May 2019 and April 2020. Their mean age was 74 years. The primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and short-term results during a 1-year follow-up period, while the secondary outcomes were related to prosthetic valve function, especially paravalvular leakage (PVL). We further analyzed the relationship between the new technique and its outcomes. RESULTS The mean operative time was 196 min. There were no in-hospital deaths, and the mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was 11.8 days. Valvular measurements using three-dimensional computed tomography were larger and more accurate than those measured using ultrasonic echocardiography. Postoperative RD-AVR prosthetic valve function was excellent. However, PVL occurred in four cases 1 week and 1 year postoperatively and regurgitation did not improve. A gap associated with PVL was identified below the right-noncoronary commissure. To prevent PVL, we additionally stitched this gap in the later 18 cases; there was no case of PVL and no new pacemaker implantation in these cases. CONCLUSIONS PVL is more likely to occur if there is a gap below the R-N commissure, especially in cases with a large annulus; therefore, applying an additional stitch to the R-N commissure is extremely useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taira Yamamoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Endo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironobu Yamaoka
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Edogawa Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kan Kajimoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tohru Asai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Amano
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Until the year 2000, the publications concerning aortic valve sparing (AVS) did not exceed 20 articles; in the following years almost 300 publications have appeared. Over 35 years from the introduction of valve sparing techniques and 500 years after the death of Leonardo da Vinci, this review highlights the significant steps in modern imaging techniques and the excellent clinical results in the field of reconstructive aortic root surgery. RECENT FINDINGS AVS operations underwent significant modifications over the last few years making it reproducible with satisfactory outcomes. The extraordinary potential of imaging opens new boundless horizons in the perspective of an increasingly patient-tailored surgical planning. The basic surgical concepts include the preservation and resuspension of the aortic valve in a near-normal environment (with the creation of functionally suited neo-aortic sinuses) and the re-establishment of a normal relationship of the aortic root components. SUMMARY Today is possible to perform a reimplantation procedure with the creation of neo-sinuses or a remodeling procedure with the addition of annular support. Both procedures can now guarantee an anatomical root reconstruction and an increased long-term durability. AVS operations have become established alternatives to Bentall procedures for patients with aortic root pathology, especially in young patients.
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Chirichilli I, Irace FG, Weltert LP, Salica A, Guerrieri Wolf L, Fusca S, Ricci A, De Paulis R. A direct correlation between commissural orientation and annular shape in bicuspid aortic valves: a new anatomical and computed tomography classification. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2020; 30:666-670. [DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivz325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The shape of the aortic annulus is still under debate. Recent findings suggest a possible gradual spectrum of circularity from tricuspid aortic valves (TAVs), to type 1 bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs) to type 0 BAVs. BAVs have been recently classified in a symmetrical (type A), asymmetrical (type B) or very asymmetrical (type C) phenotype according to the commissural orientation (CO) (160°–180°, 140°–159° and 120°–139°, respectively). The aim of this study is to verify in BAVs the correlation between the aortic annular shape and the CO of valve cusps and to suggest a new anatomical and geometric classification of BAVs based on CO and annular shape.
METHODS
We retrospectively selected 191 consecutive patients who underwent both electrocardiography-gated computed tomography scan of the aortic root and transthoracic echocardiography between January 2016 and June 2019. The population was divided into 2 groups: 54 BAVs and 137 TAVs. We analysed the subgroup of BAV patients and divided them into group A, group B and group C depending on the CO. The shape of the aortic annulus was considered ‘circular’ or ‘elliptic’ according to the ellipticity index (EI).We studied the possible correlation between CO and annular shape in BAVs. We also analysed the subgroup of TAV patients studying their annular shape and EI.
RESULTS
After univariate linear regression, BAV patients showed a significant correlation between the CO and the EI (R = −0, 445, R2 = 0, 198, P = 0.001). As the CO decreases, the EI increases and approaches an elliptical shape. After grouping BAVs according to the CO, a mean EI of 1.10 ± 0.07 was found in group A, 1.13 ± 0.08 in group B, 1.18 ± 0.07 in group C, P = 0.0097 indicating a gradual spectrum of ellipticity with the decrease of CO. TAVs subgroup showed a mean EI of 1.27 ± 0.09, suggesting that the more the CO is reduced in BAVs, the more the annulus probably tends towards the very elliptical shape of TAVs.
CONCLUSIONS
This study shows a linear correlation between CO and annular shape in BAVs. In particular, the aortic annulus follows a continuous spectrum of ellipticity depending on the CO. These findings lay the groundwork for a new anatomical classification of BAVs based on CO and annular shape.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luca Paolo Weltert
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biostatistics, San Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Salica
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Samuel Fusca
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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De Paulis R, Salica A. Surgical anatomy of the aortic valve and root-implications for valve repair. Ann Cardiothorac Surg 2019; 8:313-321. [PMID: 31240175 DOI: 10.21037/acs.2019.04.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aortic root is an important anatomical structure positioned at the center of the heart, making it critical to the functioning of the major cardiac chambers. Deep knowledge of the anatomical "surroundings" of the aortic root is crucial for surgeon attempting to spare or repair a leaking aortic valve. In fact, root dissection is a necessary step to "skeletonize" the aortic valve, allowing the surgeon to work on the critical components of its structure, namely the aorto-ventricular junction, the virtual basal ring (VBR) and the sino-tubular junction (STJ). These three components, along with the insertion of the leaflet to the aortic wall, form the skeleton of the aortic valve that is essential in guaranteeing valve competence. A good anatomical proportion between the various component of the skeleton of the aortic valve need to be verified, or re-established in order to set the basis for an optimal aortic valve repair. Once the skeleton of the heart has been correctly addressed, the condition of the valve leaflets need to be considered. Excess of leaflet tissue is treated by leaflet plication or resection and lack of leaflet tissue is addressed by tissue extension with autologous or heterologous materials. In the present manuscript, we highlight the principal structure of the aortic root and describe in detail each anatomical component. This basic anatomical knowledge is also important for a through understanding of the normal function of the valve and root structure during the cardiac cycle. The close boundaries existing between the left ventricular cavity and the aorta are important in explaining the sophisticated function of opening and closing of the aortic valve. Similarly, the role played by the sinuses of Valsalva in regulating the blood flow exiting the ventricle underline the concept that "form follows function" and emphasizes the importance of a good anatomical reconstruction for an optimal and long-lasting valve function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Salica
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, European Hospital, Rome, Italy
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