Aortic Root Replacement

Overview of Valve Sparing Aortic Root Replacement

Valve sparing aortic root replacement is a highly specialized operation that repairs the portion of the aorta closest to the heart (the aortic root), while preserving the patient's own aortic valve.

Certain patients will develop diseases that affect the aortic root. This is most common in individuals with Marfan syndrome, but can also be associated with high blood pressure.

This operation is needed when the aortic root is enlarged, or has an aneurysm. The surgeon removes the enlarged section and replaces it with a man-made (synthetic) tube, called a "graft".

During the operation the patient's aortic valve is set aside and then used again. At first, the surgeon removes the valve along with the dilated section of the aorta. Then, the surgeon preserves the patient's aortic valve and, using special stiches, sews it into the inside of the synthetic graft. The coronary arteries are also reattached.

Valve sparing aortic root replacement prevents life-threatening complications, including aortic dissection or rupture, but does not require insertion of an artificial valve. This operation is ideal for young, active patients, as their own valve can potentially last the rest of their lives.

Recovery after the operation is similar to other open heart surgeries. In general, patients that undergo a planned, elective operation and who do not have other medical problems recover smoothly. The graft is highly durable and does not require any additional medicines. We do recommend regular visits with your physician to monitor the status of the aortic valve and the remainder of the aorta.

Overview of Freestyle Aortic Root Replacement

Freestyle aortic root replacement is a highly specialized operation that replaces the aortic root (the portion of the aorta closest to the heart) and the aortic valve in a single operation.

This operation is needed when both the aortic root and the aortic valve are diseased. The aortic root is often enlarged, or has an aneurysm. The aortic valve may be too narrow and stiff (aortic valve stenosis) or may have a defect from birth (bicuspid aortic valve).

The surgeon removes the entire aortic root and replaces it with Freestyle prosthetic aortic valve, a biological valve taken from the heart of a pig. If additional sections of the aorta are enlarged, they are removed and replaced with a man-made (synthetic) tube, or graft. The graft is made from a medical-grade cloth called Dacron that is used to replace or repair blood vessels.

Freestyle aortic root replacement corrects both aortic root enlargement (aneurysm) and aortic valve disease in one operation. It is particularly suitable for active patients that desire to avoid long-term use of blood thinners. The Freestyle valve is very durable and requires no additional medicines.

Recovery after the operation is similar to other open heart surgeries. In general, patients that undergo a planned, elective operation and who do not have other medical problems recover smoothly. We do recommend regular visits with a cardiologist to monitor the status of the valve and the remainder of the aorta.

Overview of Freestyle Aortic Root Replacement

Freestyle aortic root replacement is a highly specialized operation that replaces the aortic root (the portion of the aorta closest to the heart) and the aortic valve in a single operation.

This operation is needed when both the aortic root and the aortic valve are diseased. The aortic root is often enlarged, or has an aneurysm. The aortic valve may be too narrow and stiff (aortic valve stenosis) or may have a defect from birth (bicuspid aortic valve).

The surgeon removes the entire aortic root and replaces it with Freestyle prosthetic aortic valve, a biological valve taken from the heart of a pig. If additional sections of the aorta are enlarged, they are removed and replaced with a man-made (synthetic) tube, or graft. The graft is made from a medical-grade cloth called Dacron that is used to replace or repair blood vessels.

Freestyle aortic root replacement corrects both aortic root enlargement (aneurysm) and aortic valve disease in one operation. It is particularly suitable for active patients that desire to avoid long-term use of blood thinners. The Freestyle valve is very durable and requires no additional medicines.

Recovery after the operation is similar to other open heart surgeries. In general, patients that undergo a planned, elective operation and who do not have other medical problems recover smoothly. We do recommend regular visits with a cardiologist to monitor the status of the valve and the remainder of the aorta.

Our Center for Aortic Disease is one of the leading centers in the world with this type of aortic root replacement.

© 2018 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.