Toward Predictable Repair of Regurgitant Aortic Valves : A Systematic Morphology-Directed Approach to Bicommissural Repair

ObjectivesOur purpose was to investigate a new approach to bicommissural repair of regurgitant aortic valves.BackgroundRepair of regurgitant aortic valves is not widely accepted, but interest is increasing, particularly for bicuspid valves. We hypothesize that a systematic, segmental approach to morphology and corresponding morphology-directed repair will improve decision making and success.MethodsFrom December 2001 to July 2007, a systematic surgical approach to valve analysis and bicommissural repair was applied prospectively to 63 consecutive patients with pure aortic valve regurgitation, mean age 40 ± 12 years. Cusp, commissure, and root morphologies were analyzed sequentially by direct inspection. Each abnormality was corrected by corresponding morphology-directed repair procedures. Retrospectively, 2 echocardiographic indexes—of tissue pliability (change in systolic to diastolic area) and coaptation deficiency (conjoint and reference cusp heights vs. “annulus” diameter)—were developed to evaluate repairability.ResultsForty-two (67%) valves were repaired and 21 (33%) replaced. Regurgitation was related primarily to cusp (prolapse, restriction) and commissure (splaying) morphology; root pathology was less important. Morphology-directed repair included cusp maneuvers in all, commissural maneuvers in 71%, and root procedures in 33%. Restriction and cusp tissue deficiency limited repairability. Echocardiography reflected this in greater tissue pliability of successfully repaired valves compared with replaced ones (conjoint cusp 61 ± 16% vs. 34 ± 17%; reference cusp 65 ± 16% vs. 42 ± 16%; p = 0.0001) and less coaptation deficiency (1.06 ± 0.24 for repaired and 1.27 ± 0.19 for replaced valves; p = 0.002).ConclusionsSystematic segmental analysis of morphology and a logical morphology-directed surgical approach facilitate aortic valve repair. Initial application of this paradigm suggests sufficient mobile cusp tissue is a key determinant of repairability.