Evaluation and Management of Aortic Valve in Proximal Aortic Dissections

Aortic valvular incompetence is frequently seen in patients with proximal aortic dissection. In accordance with the anatomy of the aortic valve leaflets and aortic sinuses, different surgical techniques may be needed for the treatment of aortic valve incompetence in aortic dissections. In this report, we retrospectively analyzed 29 patients, who have been operated for proximal aortic dissections in Ege University of Medicine, Cardio-vascular Surgery Department. Aortic valve resuspension had been performed in thirteen patients, and composite valve-graft replacement had been achie - ved in five. Surgical techniques, short-term results and long-term follow-up have been presented. Our standard protocol for the treatment of aortic valvular incompetence is to save the aortic valve with aortic valve resuspension in acute dissection setting if possible and compasite valve-graft replacement for chronic dissections.