Reoperative Aortic Valve Replacement in a Previous Biologic Composite Valve Graft

Structural valve deterioration with biologic composite valve grafts previously required reoperative aortic root replacement. We present a technique for avoiding repeated root replacement. Exposure is by a transverse incision through the Dacron graft. The valve is disassembled within the graft, and a new prosthesis is implanted. We used this technique in 11 patients with good success.