Hydrodynamic ex vivo analysis of valve-sparing techniques: assessment and comparison

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Valve-sparing procedures are surgical techniques allowing to restore adequate function of the native aortic valve by replacing the dysfunctional ascending aorta with a prosthetic conduit. A number of techniques are currently used, such as Yacoub’s remodelling and David’s reimplantation, based on a regular straight conduit. More recently, the De Paulis proposed the use of bulging conduits to reconstruct the shape of the Valsalva sinuses. This work investigates the impact of the valve-sparing technique on the aortic valve function.