VALVE SPARING CORRECTION OF ASCENDING AOR TIC-ANEURYSMS WITH AORTIC INCOMPETENCE OR ANNULAR DILATATION

The current technique to correct aneurysms of the ascending aorta with incompetence of the aortic valve or dilatation of the aortic root is the implantation of a valved conduit. In many cases however structural ly normal aortic leaflets are resected by this technique and patients are at the risk of complications due to mechanical heart valve prosthe ses and the necessary anticoagulation respectively. By resuspension of the aortic valve into the aortic prostheses similar to the technique used at implantation of homograft valves, competence of the valve can be restored and the dilatation of the aortic annulus can be prevented or even reduced. Our article describes the successful, valve sparing c orrection of an acute aortic dissection type A with dilatation of the aortic annulus in a 43 year old patient and in another patient with as cending aortic aneurysm with aortic insufficiency.