TECHNIQUE FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SINOTUBULAR JUNCTION

Correct geometric relationships between the annulus and sinotubular ju nction during stentless valve implantation are critical to minimize th e development of insufficiency. Some patients with aortic valve diseas e have dilatation of the sinotubular junction and are unable to have a stentless valve placed by standard techniques. We recently encountere d such a patient and reconstructed the sinotubular junction by aortic crenation. Multiple interrupted plicating sutures were used to reduce the aorta from a diameter of 42 mm to 28 mm. This method allows tailor ing of the aorta to appropriate size by varying the number of crenatin g sutures. (C) 1997 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.