"Peninsula-style" transverse aortic arch replacement in patients with bicuspid aortic valve

Abstract

Although the optimal surgical treatment of the dilated aortic arch is controversial in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve, such exists in more than 70% of bicuspid aortic valve patients. Aortic wall histologic abnormalities are present from the aortic root to the distal arch regardless of aortic size. We describe a simple "peninsula-style" technique of transverse arch replacement used in conjunction with valve-sparing aortic root replacement for patients with a bicuspid aortic valve. This provides resection of the entire dilated thoracic aorta, preserving the arch branches in continuity with the proximal descending aorta.