Root Remodeling versus Root Reimplantation in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Root Aneurysm.

Abstract

Valve-sparing root replacements are increasingly being performed in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and root aneurysm. This study aims to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent root remodeling versus root reimplantation.From 2000 to 2022, 206 adults with BAV and root aneurysm (mean age: 47 ± 12 years, 183 [89%] male) underwent root remodeling (n = 32) or reimplantation (n = 174) at Cleveland Clinic. Compared with remodeling, patients in the reimplantation group had more aortic regurgitation (severe 61/174 [35%] vs. 3/32 [9.4%]) and smaller aortic roots (sinus diameter: 4.3 ± 0.56 vs. 4.6 ± 0.47 cm). Operative mortality and morbidity, durability, and time-related mortality were compared.Patients in both groups underwent additional aortic valve repair (reimplantation vs. remodeling group: figure-of-8 hitch-up stitch 10/174 [5.7%] vs. 14/32 [44%], p < 0.001; cusp plication 91/174 [52%] vs. 11/32 [34%], p = 0.06). Compared with the remodeling group, aortic clamp time was longer in the reimplantation group (median 136 vs. 76 minutes, p < 0.001). Two in-hospital reoperations occurred after remodeling from valve dysfunction. One operative death occurred in each group. At 5 years, severe aortic regurgitation was 16% after remodeling versus 5.0% after reimplantation (p = 0.06), mean gradient 11 versus 10 mm Hg (p = 0.12), aortic valve reoperation 23% versus 6.0% (p = 0.14), and survival 97% versus 95%, respectively (p = 0.71).Both root remodeling and reimplantation can be safely performed in patients with BAV and root aneurysms with similar midterm outcomes. Although root remodeling is a shorter surgery, less late aortic valve regurgitation and fewer valve reoperations lead us to recommend root reimplantation.