Early results after aortic annuloplasty with a complete external Dacron band

Abstract

Objective This study evaluates the early results of our initial experience with aortic annuloplasty using a complete external Dacron band in the setting of type Ic or type II aortic regurgitation (AR). Methods From May 2017 to August 2019, 16 patients (88% bicuspid aortic valves, no patients with connective tissue disorders) underwent aortic annuloplasty with an external complete Dacron band. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was 100% complete. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up averaged 24.4 ± 9.3 and 15.1 ± 8.3 months, respectively. Results Mean cardiopulmonary and cross-clamp times were 105 ± 15 (72–127) and 86 ± 15 (51–113) min, respectively. Early and late mortality was 0%, with no incidents of endocarditis or cerebrovascular events during the follow-up. Two patients were re-operated during the follow-up, one due recurrent aortic regurgitation (12 months after the first operation) yielding a freedom from reoperation due to AR at 1 year and 3 years of 100% ± 0% and 93.3% ± 5.7%, respectively. Based on the latest echocardiogram, five patients had either none or trivial AR, six had mild AR, and three had mild-to-moderate AR. Conclusions The early clinical and echocardiographic results after using a complete external Dacron band are promising; however, more data and longer follow-up are needed to determine its role in annular management during aortic valve repair.