European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
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In children, words of caution have been raised about valve-sparing procedures especially regarding the valve-remodelling technique. This study reviewed our experience with the valve-sparing reimplantation technique in children. ⋯ Our data show that valve-sparing root surgery using the reimplantation technique can be performed safely in children. Mid-term follow-up yields stable and favourable results. When leaflet reconstruction is necessary on top of the reimplantation procedure, rate of recurrent AR seems to be higher.
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Eur J Cardiothorac Surg · Sep 2016
Natural history of 40-50 mm root/ascending aortic aneurysms in the current era of dedicated thoracic aortic clinics.
The natural history of root/ascending aortic aneurysms is based on studies from the 1980s to 1990s. Imaging and follow-up guidelines are based on these studies. Dedicated thoracic aortic clinics (TAC) ensure strict patient/imaging follow-up and tight blood pressure (BP) control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural history of medically treated root/ascending aortic aneurysms in the current era of dedicated TAC. ⋯ The present study suggests that the growth rate of 40-50 mm root/ascending aneurysms followed in a dedicated TAC aorta is lower than that shown in previously reported series. Freedom from aortic-related events and survival are high, thus necessitating long-term follow-up. These results challenge the current guidelines in terms of interval between imaging examinations and the extent and type of aortic imaging.