Aortic valve-sparing procedure in the pediatric population

Background: Aortic valve-sparing procedures have been established as a mainstream treatment option for adult patients with aortic root aneurysms. However, data regarding their use in the pediatric population is limited. This study reports on our experience with aortic valve-sparing procedures in children. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent an aortic valve-sparing procedure at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia between April 2006 and April 2016. Clinical and echocardiographic data were analyzed. Results: The study included 17 patients, with a median age of 15.7 years and a majority of patients being male (82.4%). The most common diagnosis was transposition of great arteries after arterial switch operation, followed by Loeys-Dietz syndrome and Marfan syndrome. Preoperative echocardiography showed more than moderate aortic regurgitation in 94.1% of the patients. The David procedure was performed in all 17 patients, with no mortality during follow-up. Reoperation was required in 29.4% of patients, and 23.5% required aortic valve replacement. Freedom from reoperation for aortic valve replacement at 1, 5, and 10 years was 93.8%, 93.8% and 68.2% respectively. Conclusions: Aortic valve-sparing surgery can be successfully performed in the pediatric population. However, it requires a highly skilled surgeon due to the often dysplastic or distorted nature of these valves and the need for additional procedures on the aortic valve leaflets.

Automated summary

This study retrospectively analyzed 17 pediatric patients who underwent aortic valve-sparing procedures at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne between 2006 and 2016. The results showed that aortic valve-sparing surgery is a feasible option for pediatric patients, although it requires a highly skilled surgeon.