Calibrated cusp sizers to facilitate aortic valve repair: development and clinical application.

ABSTRACT: Based on the natural mathematical relationships between the components of the human tri-leaflet aortic valve, new calibrated cusp sizers were developed in order to facilitate aortic valve assessment in the operating room and enhance the chance for a perfect restoration of aortic valve competence. These sizers were used clinically to guide the implementation of established aortic valve repair techniques in 10 consecutive patients with severe aortic valve regurgitation. Valve repair was successful in all cases, and at a median follow-up was 5.5 months, aortic valve function remained stable, with aortic regurgitation ≤1+ in every patient and no significant gradient across the aortic valves. This preliminary clinical experience indicates that the calibrated cusp sizers can provide reliable ins

SUBMITTER: Izzat MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3279973 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature