Certain patients will develop diseases that affect the aortic root, or that portion of the aorta just above the aortic valve. This is most common in individuals with Marfan syndrome, but can also be associated with high blood pressure (aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection). In this setting, the diseased portion of the aorta can be removed while preserving the aortic valve inside. This prevents rupture of the diseased aorta without the requirement of valve replacement.
Valve-sparing aortic root replacement involves removal of the aortic tissue immediately above the aortic valve and extending up into the ascending aorta. The aortic valve is then resuspended within a synthetic graft with small stitches. The coronary arteries are also reattached to the synthetic graft.
This operation is ideally suited for young patients that desire to maintain their own native aortic valve. After operation, the patient can return to normal activity and does not require lifetime treatment with anticoagulants, or blood-thinning medications. The synthetic graft is highly durable and the native valve functions normally.