Aortic Root Reconstruction

Aortic root reconstruction represents one of the most complex areas of cardiac surgery as well as one of the most dynamic-major developments in understanding of the aortic root anatomy and physiology, improvements in imaging and surgical technique allowed for development and acceptance into clinical practice of several novel procedures over last couple of decades. From first aortic root replacement reported by Bentall and De Bono in 1968 to aortic root reimplantation (David procedure) and remodeling (Yacoub operation) with multiple contemporary modifications, aortic root reconstruction now is widely used in treatment of chronic aortic aneurysmal disease and acute aortic dissections alike. Basic principles of aortic root structure and function and critical operative strategies for aortic root surgery are reviewed in this chapter.