Aortic Valve Repair: Techniques and Results

Abstract

Twenty-two patients underwent aortic valve repair for rheumatic aortic regurgitation (AR) from April 1991 to August 1993. Six patients were female. Thirteen patients required mitral valve repair and 3 patients underwent mitral valve replacement. One patient required tricuspid valve repair in addition to aortic and mitral valve reconstruction.

There was 1 early death and 5 early failures. Of these, 3 were considered unsatisfactory valves for repair and replaced after an attempt at repair. In 2 others, the aortic valve was replaced within a week of initial attempt at repair. There were 2 late failures, 1 of which had aortic valve replacement and another who is awaiting reoperation. Fourteen of 22 patients have been judged to have good results clinically and echocardiographically.