A multicentre, propensity score matched analysis comparing a valve-sparing approach to valve replacement in aortic root aneurysm: Insight from the AVIATOR database

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2023 Feb 3;63(2):ezac514. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezac514.

Abstract

Objectives: Our goal was to evaluate the outcome of valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) and to compare the outcomes to those of patients having composite valve-graft conduit aortic root replacement (CVG-ARR) in a cohort of patients with aortic root aneurysm ± valve insufficiency, without valvular stenosis. Although valve-sparing procedures are preferable in young patients, there is a lack of comparative data in comparable patients.

Methods: The VSRR procedures were performed in 2005 patients, and 218 patients underwent a CVG-ARR procedure. Exclusion criteria included aortic dissection, endocarditis and valvular stenosis. Propensity score matching (3:1 ratio) was applied to compare VSRR (reimplantation 33% and remodelling 67%) and CVG-ARR.

Results: We matched 218 patients with CVG-ARR to 654 patients with VSRR (median age, 56.0; median follow-up was 4 years in both groups; interquartile range 1-5 years). Early mortality was 1.1% of those who had VSRR versus 2.3% in those who had CVG-ARR. Survival was 95.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 94-97%] at 5 years in patients who had VSRR versus 85.4% (95% CI 82-92%) in those who had CVG-ARR; P = 0.002. Freedom from reintervention at 5 years was 96.8% (95% CI 95-98%) with VSRR and 95.4% (95% CI 91-99%) with CVG-ARR (P = 0.98). Additionally, there were more thromboembolic, endocarditis and bleeding events in the patients who had CVG-ARR (P = 0.02).

Conclusions: This multicentre study shows excellent results after valve-sparing root replacement in patients with an ascending aortic aneurysm with or without valve insufficiency. Compared to composite valve-graft aortic root replacement, survival is better and valve-related events are fewer. Consequently, valve-sparing procedures should be considered whenever a durable repair is feasible. We advocate a valve-sparing strategy even in more complex cases when performed in experienced centres.

Keywords: Bentall; Valve-sparing root replacement; aortic valve-repair.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic* / surgery
  • Aortic Root Aneurysm*
  • Aortic Valve / surgery
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency* / surgery
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation* / methods
  • Constriction, Pathologic / etiology
  • Endocarditis* / surgery
  • Heart Valve Diseases* / surgery
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation* / methods
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilots*
  • Propensity Score
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome