Current trends in minimally invasive valve-sparing aortic root
replacement -- best available evidence
Abstract
Background: Valve-sparing aortic root replacement such as the
re-implantation (David) procedure is becoming increasingly popular.
Despite the fact that the procedure is technically more complex,
long-term studies demonstrated that excellent clinical outcomes in
selected patients with durable repair are achievable. Benefits of
minimal access cardiac surgery have stimulated enthusiasm in the use of
this approach for valve-sparing aortic root replacement.
Methods: We have reviewed available literature on the topic of
valve-sparing aortic root replacement (David procedure) via minimally
invasive approach through upper hemisternotomy in an attempt to assess
current trends and to recognize potential advantages of this technique.
Patient selection and preoperative work-up play important role in
performing minimally invasive David procedure safely. Surgical technique
is similar to the standard David procedure, with several exceptions, and
is performed via upper hemisternotomy. Results and Conclusion:
Evidence from non-randomized observational and comparative studies
demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes of minimally invasive David
procedure in selected patients with comparable perioperative mortality
to the conventional technique. To date, elective David procedure with a
minimal access technique has been performed in low- and
intermediate-risk patients. We believe that minimally invasive David
procedure could be particularly useful in young patients (Marfan
syndrome, bicuspid AV) as it allows faster recovery with improved
cosmesis. A decision to perform minimally invasive David procedure
should be individualized to each patient and based on the experience of
the team. Further large prospective randomized studies with long-term
follow-up are still needed to confirm durability of minimal access
technique.