TECHNIQUE FOR COMPLETE SUBCORONARY IMPLANTATION OF THE MEDTRONIC FREESTYLE PORCINE BIOPROSTHESIS

Nonstented porcine bioprostheses offer the surgeon a larger implant op tion with better hemodynamics than stented counterparts by eliminating the space occupied by the frame. A secondary benefit may be improved durability related to reduction of leaflet stresses created by the fra me. The Medtronic Freestyle stentless porcine aortic root can be impla nted as a root replacement, as a miniroot cylinder within the aorta, o r as a partially or completely scalloped valve replacement. This repor t describes an easy, reliable, and reproducible technique of completel y scalloped valve replacement performed in a population of 75 patients with Freestyle implants and uses the anatomy of the Freestyle and hum an aortic roots to facilitate the implant technique. (C) 1997 by The S ociety of Thoracic Surgeons.