Calcified aortic homograft and sutureless valves

The use of sutureless valves in the case of a heavily calcified aortic homograft allows for relatively quick and safe replacement. Due to the nitinol frame, which is self-anchored in the aortic valve annulus and in the sinotubular junction (STJ), no complete annular decalcification or fixation with stitches is required. In conditions of significant calcification this may represent a technical problem.