Replacement of the aortic root by free implantation of a stentless aortic porcine bioprosthesis in a patient with aneurysm of the sinuses of Valsalva.

In a patient with aneurysms of the sinuses of Valsalva a stentless porcine bioprosthesis was implanted with excellent hemodynamic and clinical short-term results. The implantation technique was similar to the technique used for the implantation of a composite graft. The postoperative study revealed a pressure gradient of 7 mmHg between the left ventricle and aorta and no regurgitation. Although the implantation of a porcine aortic root including a part of the ascending aorta without any artificial stenting material is feasible, one should be aware of the specific technical difficulties due to the increased rigidity of the fixated tissue. To our knowledge this is the first report of an implantation of a stentless aortic root porcine bioprosthesis for the treatment of aneurysms of the sinuses of Valsalva.