Modified Bentall Operation With a Novel Biologic Valved Conduit

Purpose: The optimal conduit for a modified Bentall operation remains unknown. The current study tested hemodynamics and early clinical results of the newly developed valved conduit composed of the 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis (ATS Medical, Minneapolis, MN) and the Vascutek Gelweave Valsalva Aortic Root Graft (Terumo Cardiovascular Systems, Ann Arbor, MI). Description: Between December 1, 2008, and April 6, 2009, 20 patients underwent a modified Bentall operation with this valved conduit and their clinical records were retrospectively reviewed. Evaluation: The indication for aortic root replacement in the 20 patients was aortic root aneurysm in 14, acute type A dissection in 5, and structural deterioration of an aortic root homograft in 1. Four patients had had previous cardiac operations, and 8 patients required concomitant procedures. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were 146 ± 110 minutes and 110 ± 32 minutes, respectively. There were no perioperative deaths. The average mean pressure gradient across the bioprosthesis assessed with intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram was 4.0 ± 1.7 mm Hg. Conclusions: Our initial experience with our new valved conduit showed favorable results. Further accumulation of cases and longer follow-up are warranted.