A new ultrasonic process for a renewal of aortic valve decalcification

Abstract

BackgroundAortic valve decalcification by ultrasound was given up. We evaluated a new ultrasound microhandpiece (Dissectron Penstyle®) to rehabilitate this alternative treatment.MethodsWe used under magnifying lenses the ultrasound microhandpiece to decalcify 30 explanted aortic valves. In the cases with embedded calcifications the thin top of the probe could be introduced into the thickness of the leaflet preserving covering layers.ResultsThe leaflets were totally decalcified and flexible, and surrounding structures were preserved as assessed by histological examination.ConclusionThis new approach of ultrasonic aortic valve decalcification gives good in vitro results which allow to consider a clinical evaluation of this procedure.

Aortic Valve Reconstruction: Why, When, and How?

“…Various attempts to decalcify and thus preserve such valves have repeatedly demonstrated premature deterioration. As calcifications destroy the microstructure of the elastic fibers in the cusps at a very early stage, even a macroscopically sufficient result after decalcification does not yield adequate long-term functional properties [40,41]. An insufficiency with morphologically intact cusps, however, provides reasonable "raw material" which can be used to construct a sufficiently functioning valve.…”