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Objective: This study aimed to evaluate a novel device system for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) using a unique new less invasive access approach. The hypothesis is that SAVR can be performed through a short transverse incision in the neck, similar to that used for transcervical thymectomy avoiding chest disruption.
Methods: A new device system was developed to provide retraction, step-by-step illumination, and on-screen visualization for the new approach. Preliminary feasibility studies were performed in cadavers. Comprehensive risk analysis was performed, and training was implemented in Thiel preserved cadavers. For the first-in-man clinical case, a 63-year-old woman with symptomatic critical aortic stenosis (The Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk, 11%) and heavily calcified aortic valve was selected. A short transverse incision was made in the neck; the device was introduced, and the sternum was elevated; femorofemoral cardiopulmonary bypass was established; substernal dissection was guided by the sequenced illumination, and high-definition visualization was provided by the device, allowing for optimal exposition of the aorta and aortic valve; and a 23-mm Medtronic ENABLE sutureless valve prosthesis was implanted. Procedure success was evaluated according to the standardized composite end point definition of "device success" proposed by the Valve Academic Research Consortium.
Results: Access, delivery, and deployment of the valve prosthesis were successful. The correct position and intended performance of the valve were demonstrated (mean gradient, 6 mm Hg; aortic valve area, 2.5 cm) with the absence of moderate or severe prosthetic aortic regurgitation. Only one valve prosthesis was used.
Conclusions: Transcervical SAVR with sutureless valve is feasible using this novel access system. The new approach has potential to offer patients substantially shorter stay and fewer, less serious complications, as has been observed in transcervical thymectomy. Further studies are merited.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/IMI.0000000000000228 | DOI Listing |
Herz
September 2025
Department of Cardiology, Heart Center Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Strümpellstraße 39, 04289, Leipzig, Deutschland.
Since the earliest studies on transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), the heart team concept has been an integral component of treatment planning for patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). The primary objective is to ensure patient-specific, guideline-based treatment through the structured involvement of all relevant medical disciplines. The TAVI heart team is strongly recommended with a class I indication in both European and US clinical guidelines.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMinerva Cardiol Angiol
September 2025
Norwich Medical School, Bob Champion Research and Education, Rosalind Franklin Road, Norwich, UK -
Introduction: Whilst aortic stenosis remains the most prevalent valvular abnormality, the management of asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis remains a clinical challenge. Recently, two randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) - EVOLVED (Early Intervention in Patients With Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis and Myocardial Fibrosis) and Early TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement for Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis) - have been published, alongside an extended follow-up from the AVATAR (Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Conservative Treatment in Asymptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis) study.
Evidence Acquisition: In response, we conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Ovid, and Cochrane databases, identifying RCTs up to October 29, 2024, that compared early intervention with conventional management.
ASAIO J
September 2025
From the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
We describe a modified Park's stitch technique incorporating systematic free margin alignment to achieve complete elimination of aortic regurgitation in patients with a left ventricular assist device. The technique involves a two-step approach: first, free margin alignment of all three cusps using single interrupted 6-0 polypropylene sutures placed at the nodules of Arantius to achieve precise coaptation, followed by conventional Park's stitch using mattress sutures with autologous pericardial pledgets for central closure. The alignment sutures remain in place to provide reinforcement.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJCI Insight
September 2025
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine.
Aortic valve stenosis is a progressive and increasingly prevalent disease in older adults, with no approved pharmacologic therapies to prevent or slow its progression. Although genetic risk factors have been identified, the contribution of epigenetic regulation remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) maintains aortic valve structure by suppressing mitochondrial biogenesis and preserving extracellular matrix integrity in valvular interstitial fibroblasts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJTCVS Open
August 2025
Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.
Objective: Valve selection in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) requiring aortic root replacement is challenging given the clinical acuity, unknown patient preferences, risk of surgical bleeding, and limited life expectancy. We sought to identify long-term outcomes of mechanical versus bioprosthetic aortic root replacement in young patients with ATAAD.
Methods: Retrospective review of our institution's database of ATAAD was conducted to identify patients aged 65 years and younger who underwent mechanical Bentall (mech-Bentall) or bioprosthetic Bentall (bio-Bentall) for ATAAD from 2002 to 2022.