Left ventricular apex to descending aorta valved conduit: Description of transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic findings in four cases

Patients with critical aortic stenosis and a "porcelain" aorta are at an in creased risk for complications with aortic cross-clamping during valve repl acement. To our knowledge, this is the first report of both transthoracic a nd transesophageal echocardiographic findings of the left ventricle to the descending aorta (LVDA) valved conduit. We present results of four patients in whom this procedure was performed for critical aortic stenosis, who als o had a porcelain aorta. "Normal" echo and Doppler findings, along with tho se of development of a regurgitant valve within the conduit, are presented.