OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the midterm single centre clinical results of valve-preserving aortic root reconstruction.

METHODS: A retrospective clinical review of 38 patients was undertaken using the PATS system, hospital records, clinical and echocardiographic data. Their mean age was 40.8+/- 22.96 years, 63% had Marfan syndrome, 28.9% had aortic dissection. The mean follow-up was 5.2 +/- 3.7 years and it was complete.

RESULTS: There was 1 late death. 4 patients (10.5%) had type B dissection /rupture. Long x-clamp time and bypass time were independent predictors of type B dissection (p=0.011 and 0.02 respectively). 3 of these were Marfan's and 1 Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Severe insufficiency developed in 7.3% of patients and required replacement of the aortic valve. Freedom from moderate or severe aortic insufficiency at 10 years was 85%.One case of endocarditis developed 11 years postoperatively. At the latest follow-up, 88% of the patients were in functional class I, and 10% were in class II.
CONCLUSIONS: Valve-sparing operations are possible with good medium -term results are . However the development of Type B aortic dissection was unusual. Close follow up with good BP control and regular MRI will detect this complication early.