The aortic root is the most proximal to the main artery of the body portion, the aorta
Written by:The aorta is the main artery of the body as it carries oxygenated blood from the heart throughout the body. The nearest portion takes the name of the aortic root and is concentrated in a few centimeters the outlet valve of the left ventricle, the aortic valve and the beginning portion of the coronary arteries. We talk to our expert in Cardiac Surgery
Because the aortic root should be treated by surgery?
The phenomenon is most striking is his aortic root dilatation. This can cause a separation of the fixing zones of the aortic valve, generating a lack of contact between the aortic veils and a not perfect closure of the valve with the consequent loss, more or less severe, of blood to the left ventricle, or valvular insufficiency aortic. Surgical treatment is indicated by the degree of involvement of the valve or to the degree of dilation of the aortic root. The bad valve operation has repercussions in left ventricular function and, therefore, in the quality of life and prognosis. The excessive dilation of the aortic root also carries an associated risk of rupture of the aortic vessels (dissection or aortic dissection ) and requires immediate surgery. To treat the problem of the aortic valve and aortic root dilation is necessary to reposition the coronary arteries.
What are the patient benefits after surgery?
If the degree of valvular involvement is important, the correction of this problem results in an improvement in clinical status and a better prognosis. If surgery is necessary due to the increased diameter of the root and the valve function is normal, the patient does not present pre-surgery and post-surgery symptoms, but the risk of aortic dissection is canceled.
Risks and contraindications of surgical treatment
The risks of surgery performed in a state of non-urgent (therefore not in cases of complications) are not greater than those of surgery of the 'aorta valve (are however many low). During surgery of the aortic root, in addition to the elimination of the expansion and re-engagement of the coronary arteries, can be applied the repair techniques of aortic valve preserving the patient valve. The surgery of the aortic root, by itself, does not present any contra. However, like most of cardiac surgery, the patient's health status, as well as style and life expectancy, are factors that make it possible to recommend for or against surgery.